This makes them difficult to translate accurately into other languages. Translating idioms word-for-word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, as the figurative meaning of the idiom may not be clear. This is why many test takers struggle to understand idiomatic expressions and therefore pick wrong answers and end-up with lower then ideal scores.

Why Should I Learn Idioms?

Firstly, idioms are an essential part of the English language and are used frequently in everyday conversations. Understanding idioms can help you communicate more effectively with native speakers and can also help you understand the context of a conversation better.

Secondly, idioms can help you express yourself more creatively and vividly. They can add colour and depth to your language and make your speech more interesting.

Thirdly, idioms can help you improve your listening and reading comprehension skills. When you encounter an idiom in a conversation or text, you need to understand the figurative meaning of the words to understand the message. This can help you become a better listener and reader.

Finally, idioms can be fun to learn and use. They can add humour and personality to your language and can make you stand out as a speaker.

15 Idioms and Their Meanings 

1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: It’s better to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one.
2. A penny for your thoughts: A way of asking someone what they are thinking about.
3. All hat and no cattle: Someone who talks big but has no follow-through.
4. Barking up the wrong tree: Accusing the wrong person or pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.
5. Bite the bullet: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and determination.
6. Bless your heart: A phrase used to express sympathy or understanding, often with a hint of condescension.
7. Break the ice: To initiate a conversation or social interaction.
8. Butterflies in your stomach: A feeling of nervousness or anxiety.
9. Chew the fat: To chat or gossip in a leisurely manner.
10. Cut the mustard: To meet expectations or perform satisfactorily.
11. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t assume that something will happen before it actually does.
12. Get a second wind: To regain energy or enthusiasm after a period of exhaustion or discouragement.
13. Go down in flames: To fail spectacularly or disastrously.
14. Jump the gun: To act prematurely or before the appropriate time.
15. Kick the bucket: To die.

A comprehensive Set of Idioms

If you are looking to learn a full set of idioms and idiomatic expressions that are used in English exams all over the world, you will have to look no further. From regularly used real-world idioms like couch potato (which is the answer to the first question of the first test), you will learn how to correctly use words like nudge, pitch dark, failing to comply, and more in this comprehensive idioms test!

Whether it is the OET (where the Listening Section is primarily focused on Idioms) or the IELTS and PTE where using idioms and idiomatic expressions are the secrets of a great score in speaking and writing, this is one area of learning where you can never go wrong.

Full Test Packs and 1 Rupee Tests

200+ Commonly Used Idioms

If you like idioms, here is a set of superb idioms test that is guaranteed to boost you languge and help you towards a better score.

Learn 200+ Idioms

If you feel learning all the idioms at once is a challenging task, here are tests with 10 to 15 questions each that will allow you to learn idioms at your own pace. There are a total of 1️⃣6️⃣ tests to take at your leisure.

Here are all the idioms tests:

There are 16 tests in all. Each test has either 10 or 15 questions. Each question is a multiple choice question that gives you a context so that you may choose the right idiom that fits the context.

Common Idioms Test 1

Common Idioms Test 2

Common Idioms Test 3

Common Idioms Test 4

Common Idioms Test 5

Common Idioms Test 6

Common Idioms Test 7

Common Idioms Test 8

Common Idioms Test 9

Common Idioms Test 10

Common Idioms Test 11

Common Idioms Test 12

Common Idioms Test 13

Common Idioms Test 14

Common Idioms Test 15

Common Idioms Test 16

These tests focus particularly on those idioms and expressions that are commonly used. Use these tests are a baseline for your preparation. Move on to other idioms and expressions only once you are fully comfortable with the idioms given here. Good Luck!