Top 20 Idioms You Must Know for TOEFL iBT® Exam in 2024

Mastering idioms is essential for excelling in the TOEFL iBT® exam, as they demonstrate your grasp of colloquial English and enhance the fluency and richness of your language use. Idioms are not only integral to understanding spoken and written English but also play a significant role in effective communication. 

This blog explores a curated list of popular TOEFL iBT® idioms that every test-taker should know. By understanding their meanings, contexts, and appropriate usage, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the TOEFL iBT® and improve your overall English language proficiency.

Top 20 Idioms You Must Know for TOEFL

Idioms are crucial components of the English language, often reflecting cultural nuances and adding depth to communication. Mastering idioms is particularly important for excelling in the TOEFL iBT exam, as they demonstrate your understanding of informal language and enhance your ability to comprehend and express ideas fluently. Here are twenty essential TOEFL idioms that every test-taker should be familiar with.

1. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.

Usage: Despite the challenges, she decided to bite the bullet and continue with her studies.

2. Hit the books

Meaning: To study intensively.

Usage: I need to hit the books this weekend to prepare for the upcoming TOEFL test.

3. Cutting corners

Meaning: Doing something in the easiest or quickest way, often sacrificing quality.

Usage: He failed the exam because he was always cutting corners instead of studying properly.

4. Piece of cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.

Usage: The listening section of the TOEFL was a piece of cake for her because she listens to English podcasts every day.

5. Ace the test

Meaning: To do extremely well on a test or exam.

Usage: She aced the TOEFL iBT with a score of 110.

6. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: To be very expensive.

Usage: Studying abroad can cost an arm and a leg, but it's worth it for the experience.

7. Break the ice

Meaning: To initiate conversation or a social interaction.

Usage: He used a joke to break the ice at the beginning of the interview.

8. Keep an eye on

Meaning: To watch or monitor closely.

Usage: During the exam, make sure to keep an eye on the time so you can finish all the sections.

9. On the same page

Meaning: To have the same understanding or viewpoint.

Usage: It's important for group projects that everyone is on the same page regarding deadlines and responsibilities.

10. Rain or shine

Meaning: Regardless of the weather conditions or difficulties.

Usage: She goes running every morning, rain or shine.

11. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling ill or not well.

Usage: He couldn't attend the class because he was feeling under the weather.

12. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Happening very rarely.

Usage: She has visited her hometown once in a blue moon since she moved abroad.

13. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To describe or identify something exactly right.

Usage: The professor hit the nail on the head with her analysis of the literature.

14. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but results in something good.

Usage: Failing the first attempt was a blessing in disguise because it pushed her to study harder.

15. Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: To not completely believe something or to be skeptical.

Usage: He took his friend's advice with a grain of salt since it wasn't based on personal experience.

16. Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up or surrender.

Usage: After failing the practice test multiple times, he decided to throw in the towel and seek additional help.

17. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.

Usage: She burned the midnight oil to finish her research paper before the deadline.

18. Keep your chin up

Meaning: To remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult situation.

Usage: Even after receiving disappointing news, she kept her chin up and continued to pursue her goals.

19. Turn a blind eye

Meaning: To ignore something intentionally.

Usage: The teacher decided to turn a blind eye to the student's late assignment because of his consistent good behavior.

20. Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity.

Usage: Many students have jumped on the bandwagon of using online study tools to prepare for the TOEFL exam.

Understanding and using these idioms appropriately will not only enhance your comprehension skills but also elevate your speaking and writing abilities, crucial for achieving a high score on the TOEFL iBT. Familiarise yourself with these idioms to confidently tackle the exam and communicate effectively in English-language environments.