Writing exams can be challenging, especially when you are preparing for more advanced levels of English such as B2 or C1. There’s a lot you need to consider, the register, the content, your ability to effectively communicate and of course, your use of grammatical structures and range of vocabulary. That is what we are going to think about in today’s post, how to improve our writing exercises by using idiomatic expressions!
First of all, what are idioms? An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms are often used in everyday speech and writing to convey ideas in a more creative or culturally specific way. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket" means to die, rather than literally kicking a bucket.
Just like phrasal verbs which we have spoken about in previous posts, idioms can help to level up your marks and make your work more fluent. Idioms are more for informal exercises such as writing a letter or an email to a friend or family member so avoid using them for texts like reports or essays as they won’t be appropriate here!
Here is a list of 10 expressions that you could use to level up your writing:
- Bite the bullet
Definition: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, even though you may not want to
Example: I knew I had to bite the bullet and tell her the truth, even though it wouldn't be easy.
- Let the cat out of the bag
Definition: To accidentally reveal a secret or something that was meant to be kept hidden.
Example: Tom accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, so now everyone knows.
- Over the moon
Definition: To be extremely happy or delighted about something.
Example: I was over the moon when I found out I got the job – it was such a relief.
- A piece of cake
Definition: Something that is extremely easy
Example: The maths exam was a piece of cake – I finished it in half the time.
- Cost an arm and a leg
Definition: Something that is very expensive
Example: That new phone costs an arm and a leg, but I think it's worth it for the quality.
- Hit the nail on the head
Definition: To be exactly right about something; to identify the main point or issue perfectly.
Example: Sarah hit the nail on the head when she said we needed more time to finish the project.
- Spill the beans
Definition: To tell a secret
Example: Come on, spill the beans! We're all dying to know what happened at the party.
- Under the weather
Definition: To feel unwell or slightly ill
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.
- Pull someone's leg
Definition: To tease or joke with someone, usually by telling them something untrue in a playful manner.
Example: I thought he was being serious, but he was just pulling my leg the whole time.
- Burn the midnight oil
Definition: To stay up late working or studying, usually to meet a deadline.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my essay before the deadline.
These idioms would add a conversational and natural tone to informal writing, making your exam response more engaging.
I hope that this post will help you to improve your writing and use more set expressions. If you want to practise using these idioms, download the worksheet and complete the writing task using some of the idioms from this post.
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