Using Quotes or Idioms in Your IELTS Essay: In the IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are evaluated based on their ability to present clear ideas and how they express them with style and precision. While a strong knowledge of grammar and sentence structure skills is essential, adding appropriate idioms and quotes can add depth to language. Using appropriate idioms and quotes can make an essay more engaging and impactful, and increase the chances of higher IELTS band scores. Meanwhile, candidates are advised to avoid overusing them to avoid confusion and formality in the essay.
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Using Quotes or Idioms in Your IELTS Essay
Candidates can improve their essay writing skills through the proper use of idioms and quotes. It also enhances their natural ability to demonstrate their ideas and knowledge. Here’s how to use them wisely:
Use Sparingly and Purposefully
Do not use too many idioms or quotes. Using multiple idioms and quotes can make the essay complex and unnatural. Candidates are generally advised to use one or two relevant idioms or quotes to support their arguments.
Stay Formal
Always stay formal while writing your IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay. Maintain a single tone throughout the essay. Maintain a proper proportion of idioms and quotes to keep the formality of your response.
Make Sure It's Relevant
Always use them as a supporting element to your own perspective. Do not let idioms and quotes sabotage your main idea and values. Do not force them to make your essay more presentable. Instead, ask yourself: Does this expression support or clarify my point?
Also Read: IELTS Writing Tips, Strategy And Practice
Avoid Misquoting
Do Not Use Wrong Quotes! If you have no idioms or quotes to support your explanation, try avoiding using them rather than citing wrong phrases. If you do not remember the exact wording, try to paraphrase and cite in your own words to avoid mistakes.
Learn Common, Universal Idioms
Some idioms are more neutral and widely understood across cultures. These are safer choices in an IELTS exam context. Examples include:
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A blessing in disguise
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The tip of the iceberg
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Burning the midnight oil
Quotes and idioms can be effective tools in your IELTS essay, but only when used correctly. Focus on clarity, relevance, and formality. Aim for balance—let your ideas shine, and use expressions to support them, not overshadow them.
Also Read:
Commonly Used Idioms in Daily Life and IELTS Essays
Below are some popular idioms grouped by theme—great for both daily conversations and academic writing when used appropriately.
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Commonly Used Idioms in Daily Life and IELTS Essays
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Everyday Idioms
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Idiom
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Meaning
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Example
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Practice makes perfect
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Regular practice leads to improvement
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I’ll keep writing essays because practice makes perfect.
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Break a leg
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Wishing someone good luck
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You’ve prepared well—break a leg on your exam!
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Driving me up the wall
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Causing annoyance or frustration
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The noisy neighbors are driving me up the wall.
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Better late than never
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Doing something late is better than not doing it at all
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I started learning English at 35, but better late than never.
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Blind as a bat
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Having poor eyesight
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I need my glasses—I'm as blind as a bat without them.
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Colorful Idioms
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Idiom
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Meaning
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Example
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Out of the blue
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Happening unexpectedly
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He showed up out of the blue after years.
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In the red
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In debt or financial trouble
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I can’t afford a vacation right now—I'm in the red.
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Give the green light
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To grant permission
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The manager gave me the green light to start the proposal.
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A white lie
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A small lie told to avoid hurting someone
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I told a white lie to avoid upsetting her.
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Green with envy
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Feeling jealous
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He was green with envy when he saw my promotion.
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Student-Friendly Idioms
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Idiom
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Meaning
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Example
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Day and night
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Continuously, without stopping
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I studied day and night for my IELTS test.
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Drop out
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To leave a course or school before completion
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She dropped out due to personal reasons.
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Learn by heart
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To memorize completely
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I learned all the essay structures by heart.
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Pass with flying colours
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To pass with excellent results
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I’m confident I’ll pass with flying colours.
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Bookworm
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A person who loves reading
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He’s a bookworm—always buried in a book.
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PhysicsWallah Guidance for IELTS Exam
Remember that a strong IELTS band score can increase your chances of admission to the world's prestigious colleges. PhysicsWallah provides an IELTS online Course that include an organized preparation method.
