When preparing for exams like the TOEFL, mastering English idioms can be a powerful way to showcase advanced language skills. Idioms add depth to your responses and can make your writing more engaging, natural, and reflective of native-level proficiency. Here are ten must-know idioms tailored for TOEFL writing and tips on using them effectively to enhance your exam performance.
1. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
This idiom is perfect for describing dedication or intense study periods. In TOEFL essays, especially on topics about hard work or education, “burning the midnight oil” can add depth. For example:
“To achieve high scores on standardized tests, students often burn the midnight oil, dedicating themselves to extensive preparation.”
2. A double-edged sword
Meaning: Something that has both positive and negative aspects.
Using this idiom demonstrates an ability to discuss complex situations or evaluate both sides of an argument, a crucial skill in TOEFL.
“The advent of technology is a double-edged sword, offering unprecedented connectivity while raising privacy concerns.”
3. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
This idiom is useful for topics related to ethics, promises, or character traits. It shows that you understand the importance of actions in defining a person’s character.
“In a leadership role, actions speak louder than words; those who lead by example often inspire the most loyalty.”
4. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a painful or difficult situation with courage.
In TOEFL essays about challenges, resilience, or courage, this idiom can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of personal fortitude.
“When faced with economic hardship, people often have to bite the bullet and make tough financial choices.”
5. Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation in a way that makes people feel relaxed.
This idiom is ideal for writing about social situations or any context involving communication skills.
“Teachers can break the ice on the first day of school by sharing interesting stories, creating a comfortable learning environment for students.”
6. Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive or costly.
This phrase is useful for discussing financial challenges or the cost of goods and services, adding a conversational tone to your response.
“For many students, studying abroad can cost an arm and a leg, making scholarships essential for those without substantial financial resources.”
7. Face the music
Meaning: To accept the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
For topics about responsibility or maturity, “face the music” helps emphasize accountability, a valuable theme in many TOEFL writing prompts.
“After ignoring the deadlines for weeks, the project manager had to face the music when the client asked for an update.”
8. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
This idiom is beneficial for illustrating clarity and accuracy in analysis, particularly useful when presenting solutions or insights in an argumentative essay.
“The professor hit the nail on the head when she identified lack of motivation as the main reason for students’ poor performance.”
9. In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same situation as others, often used for challenging situations.
This idiom fosters a sense of shared experience, which can be particularly useful in essays about community, teamwork, or collective challenges.
“During the pandemic, millions of people found themselves in the same boat, dealing with health risks and economic challenges.”
10. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s now your responsibility to make the next decision or take action.
This idiom is perfect for discussing choice, responsibility, or initiative in decision-making scenarios.
“After receiving the job offer, the ball is in your court—decide whether to accept it or continue looking for other opportunities.”
Tips for Using Idioms Effectively in TOEFL Writing
While idioms can add sophistication to your writing, using them sparingly and appropriately is essential. Here are a few pointers:
- Use Idioms Relevant to the Topic: Not every idiom will fit every topic. Choose ones that align with the theme of your essay to ensure natural integration.
- Avoid Overuse: While idioms can be powerful, overusing them may make your writing seem forced. Aim to include one or two idioms per essay, ensuring each adds value.
- Understand the Meaning Fully: Make sure you grasp the full meaning of the idiom before using it. Misusing idioms can make your writing confusing or appear unnatural.
- Contextualize Carefully: Provide enough context so that even readers unfamiliar with the idiom can infer its meaning. This is particularly important for idioms that may be less widely known.
How to Perfect Your Use of Idioms with Instant English Writing Assessments
Incorporating idioms effectively can be challenging, especially if English is not your first language. To truly master their use, you need immediate, actionable feedback. This is where an instant English writing assessment can be invaluable.
Our instant assessment platform offers rapid evaluations of your writing, focusing on idiom usage, coherence, vocabulary, and overall structure. Tailored specifically for TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, our assessments help identify areas for improvement, ensuring that idioms and other advanced language tools enhance your essays rather than detract from them.
With immediate feedback, you can refine your writing skills in real-time, building the confidence needed to use idioms naturally and effectively. Don’t leave your TOEFL writing score to chance—use our instant English writing assessment services to boost your preparation and achieve the score you aim for!