Phrases are an integral part of speech, they add details, descriptions, and complexity to your language. Skillful use of phrases in TOEFL speaking can elevate your overall performance.

In this blog, we will provide you with a list of 15 common phrases that you can use in the TOEFL speaking section and improve your overall score. If you'd like to brush up on your writing skills, be sure to check out our article How Journaling Can Improve Your Writing Skills for the TOEFL.

15 Common Phrases with Meaning 

Here is the list of 15 common phrases along with their meanings: 

• Break a leg 

Meaning: Good Luck (Generally said before a performance or starting on something)

• Cost an arm and a leg 

Meaning: Very Expensive

• Once in a blue moon 

Meaning: Very rarely

• See eye to eye 

Meaning: To agree with someone 

• Let the cat out of the bag 

Meaning: To reveal a secret by mistake 

• Under the weather 

Meaning: Not feeling very well, slightly ill 

• Hit the sack

Meaning: To go to sleep 

• Bite the bullet 

Meaning: To decide to do something unpleasant that you have been delaying or avoiding. 

• A piece of Cake 

Meaning: Something easy to do 

• Speak of the devil 

Meaning: When the person you are talking about appears unexpectedly. 

• Burn the midnight oil 

Meaning: Working late into the night 

• Throw in the towel 

Meaning: To give up or admit defeat 

• Kick the bucket

Meaning: To die 

• The ball is in your court 

Meaning: It is up to you to move forward and make the 

• Take it with a grain of salt 

Meaning: To not take something very seriously or to be skeptical about anything. 

Type of Useful Phrases 

Here are types of useful phrases. Using these phrases can enhance your score and display your English proficiency level: 

• Transition Words: These phrases help connect ideas. For example: “In addition”, “however”, and “furthermore”. Using these can help the listener read and understand your argument more effectively. 

• Singal Phrases: Singal Phrases are useful for discussing or emphasizing a point. For example: “In Conclusion” and “To illustrate”. These phrases can organize your response. 

• Idiomatic Expressions: Incorporating Idioms can show fluency and familiarity with natural English speech. 

Tips on Implementation of Phrases in TOEFL Speaking section 

Here are some tips that you can use while implementing the phrases into the sentence: 

• Organize your thoughts: Before directly jumping to speaking, take a moment to think and mentally outline your response. Organizing your responses will help you to effectively use phrases and prevent unnecessary pauses or hesitations during the speech. 
• Prepare Templates and Practice: Preparing and practicing with a template will help you structure your response better. A basic template includes: stating a main point, followed by reasons and some examples, and using transitional phrases to connect each part. 
• Wisely use the gap fillers: When you feel you are stuck somewhere and need a moment to think, wisely use gap fillers like “you know” or “I mean”, this will make your speech sound more conversational. However, Don’t overuse filler words as it will reduce the clarity of your speech. 

These were the common phrases along with their meanings. Additionally, we have done a quick run-through of types of useful phrases and tips for implementation. In conclusion, we would mention that effectively mastering phrases will lead you to clearer communication and increase your overall score. 

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