I listened to 100 minutes of English conversation and discovered these 100+ IDIOMS!

Summary

The video script discusses the use of idioms in IELTS speaking, highlighting their prevalence in everyday English conversation. The speaker shares insights from a listening experiment involving a radio drama, revealing an average of 1.5 idioms per minute. They suggest using idioms naturally without overstructuring answers around them and offer a selection of 50 common idioms categorized by topics such as work, relationships, and food. The video also promotes an upcoming course for learning idioms to enhance IELTS speaking and general English proficiency.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Idioms are expressions or phrases with a different meaning from the individual words, and can enrich IELTS speaking responses.
• 🎓 It's recommended to use one or two idioms in IELTS speaking, not more to avoid overcomplicating responses.
• 📚 Learning idioms can be challenging, but it's important to understand their meanings and contexts to use them effectively.
• 📈 A study found that in 100 minutes of natural spoken English, about 150 idioms were used, suggesting a rate of about 1.5 idioms per minute.
• 📏 While the rate of idiom usage might vary, using one idiom per minute can be a rough guide for IELTS speaking.
• 🚫 Avoid forcing idioms into your IELTS answers; they should feel natural and fit seamlessly into your speech.
• 🌟 The video introduces 50 common idioms categorized by topics such as work, disagreeing, feelings, gossip, relationships, ideas, food, and shopping.
• 📝 Idioms like 'a busman's holiday', 'to kick up a stink', and 'to write off an idea' were highlighted to provide a glimpse of the variety of expressions covered.
• 📅 The speaker mentions an upcoming course, '150 English Idioms for IELTS Speaking', designed to help learners confidently use idioms in speaking.
• 💡 Learning idioms in context and understanding their flexibility is crucial for effective usage, especially in IELTS speaking tests.
• 📌 The video encourages learners to keep an eye out for the new course and other resources to enhance their English language skills.

Q & A

How common are idioms in natural spoken English?

In the experiment conducted by the speaker, 150 idioms were used in 100 minutes of conversation, which suggests an average of about 1.5 idioms per minute or roughly three idioms every two minutes.

How many idioms should one use in the IELTS speaking test?

The speaker advises not to overuse idioms or structure answers around them, but as a rough guide, using one idiom per minute in natural spoken English can be a reference. In the context of the IELTS speaking test, using three or four idioms throughout the entire test is considered fine.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to hang up your boots'?

The idiom 'to hang up your boots' means to retire or stop working, traditionally used for sports people but now applicable to anyone.

How did the speaker conduct their experiment to find out the commonality of idioms in spoken English?

The speaker listened to 100 minutes of natural spoken conversation from five episodes of a popular English radio drama called 'The Archers' to observe how many idioms were used in everyday language.

What is the significance of the idiom 'Bob's your uncle'?

The idiom 'Bob's your uncle' is used to indicate that something is easy or that the matter has been settled or is certain to happen. It is often used to conclude a list of simple instructions.

What does it mean to 'pull rank'?

To 'pull rank' is to assert one's authority or seniority to control a situation, often used in contexts where a person in a higher position makes a decision that others must follow.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to go pear-shaped'?

The idiom 'to go pear-shaped' means that something has gone wrong or turned out badly, often unexpectedly.

How can one learn idioms more effectively?

The speaker suggests learning idioms in different contexts, understanding which words can be changed and how to pronounce them correctly. The speaker also promotes an upcoming course, '150 English Idioms for IELTS Speaking,' designed to teach idioms systematically.

What are some idioms related to the workplace?

Some workplace-related idioms include 'a busman's holiday', 'to get caught up in something', 'to know your stuff/onions', 'to hang up your boots', and 'to have blood, sweat, and tears into something'.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to run something by someone'?

The idiom 'to run something by someone' means to tell them about an idea or plan and get their approval or input before making a final decision.

What are some idioms that can be used to describe feelings of frustration or annoyance?

Some idioms to describe feelings of frustration or annoyance include 'I've had it up to here', 'to bug someone', 'to get worked up', and 'to have a lot on one's plate'.