101 – 14 Glorious speaking idioms you can use in the IELTS speaking exam

In this podcast we cover 7 idioms for describing people – very useful for typical IELTS questions in the speaking, we then go on to cover idioms to describe interests and activities.

Listening to this podcast will help you to understand when and how to use these expressions and most importantly how to pronounce them.

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Fresh as a daisy

Someone who is lively and attractive, in a clean, fresh way.

My sister has been travelling for almost 24 hours, and she’s still as fresh as a daisy.  

Couch potato

Spending too much time on the internet or watching TV.

My uncle is such a couch potato! He often spends his Saturdays watching American football on TV.  

 

Full of beans   

A person who is lively, active and healthy.

My 6 year old nephew is full of beans! He has more energy than three adults.

 

A bad egg

Someone who is untrustworthy.

Hey, Sue, I think your neighbour is a bad egg. He has these scary looking guys in black leather hanging around his place all the time.

 

Down to earth

Someone who is practical and realistic.

My aunt Karen is so down to earth. She can figure out any difficult situation, and offer a good solution.

 

Party pooper

A person who is gloomy, and having no fun at a social gathering.

Listen, my friend, I’m so sorry to be a party pooper, but I have to study for my IELTS speaking exam tomorrow.

 

Eager beaver

A person who is hardworking and enthusiastic.

My colleague drives me crazy! She is such an eager beaver that she always volunteers for overtime.

 

Ball in your court

It’s your decision or responsibility to do something now.

Well, my friend, the ball’s in your court. I’ll wait for your decision.

 

Throw in the towel

Give up.

I’ve spent too much time on this project to throw in the towel now.

 

Get a head start

Start before all others.

Let’s get up early tomorrow to get a head start on our drive to Toronto.

 

Get a second wind

Have a burst of energy after tiring.

After having a coffee and a sandwich, he got his second wind, and finished painting the kitchen.

 

Jump the gun

Start too early.

I think I jumped the gun by buying my friends James and Susan a wedding gift. They just called off their engagement.

 

Give it my best shot

Try your hardest.

This test question is really tough! I’ll give it my best shot, and I’ll get some marks for doing my best.

 

On the ball

Ready and able.

Our department receptionist is really on the ball when it comes to fielding calls from annoyed students.

                      

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