tefliz.com One effective way to enrich your responses in your IELTS speaking test is by using idioms. Idioms add colour to your answers and demonstrate your proficiency in English. Here are five idioms you can seamlessly incorporate into your answers about work.
1. Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Meaning: This idiom refers to the process of advancing in one’s career, often in a corporate environment.
Use in a Sentence: “I am really focused on climbing the corporate ladder, which is why I am considering additional qualifications in my field.”
2. A Nine-to-Five Job
Meaning: A standard job that typically involves working from 9 am to 5 pm.
Use in a Sentence: “While many of my friends are entrepreneurs, I prefer the stability of a nine-to-five job.”
3. Think Outside the Box
Meaning: To think creatively and differently.
Use in a Sentence: “In my current role, I am often encouraged to think outside the box to find innovative solutions to problems.”
4. On the Same Page
Meaning: In agreement or having the same understanding or perspective.
Use in a Sentence: “It’s crucial that all team members are on the same page when it comes to the company’s vision and goals.”
5. Burn the Midnight Oil
Meaning: To work late into the night or for extended hours.
Use in a Sentence: “During the project’s final week, we had to burn the midnight oil to meet our deadlines.”
6. Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: To start over, especially after a plan or idea has failed.
- Use in a Sentence: “Our initial marketing strategy didn’t yield the expected results, so it’s back to the drawing board for our team.”
7. Call the Shots
Meaning: To make the important decisions; to be in charge.
- Use in a Sentence: “As the project manager, I’m expected to call the shots and ensure everything runs smoothly.”
8. Cut Corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often sacrificing quality.
- Use in a Sentence: “We can’t afford to cut corners on this project; quality is our top priority.”
9. Get Down to Business
Meaning: To start focusing on the important or main issue; to start working seriously.
- Use in a Sentence: “After the initial introductions, we quickly got down to business and discussed the project’s timeline.”
10. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make more effort than is expected of you.
- Use in a Sentence: “Our team is known for going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.”
These idioms can make your spoken English sound more natural and fluent, especially in a testing scenario like IELTS. As always, the effectiveness lies in using them appropriately. Practising these in various scenarios will help you become comfortable and natural in their usage. Don’t force them into your conversation; use them as they fit naturally into your responses.
