Idioms A-Z: Explained
by IDP IELTS — May 16th, 2018
When it comes to idioms, you’ll probably understand every word, but you might have trouble interpreting the meaning. You must dig more and go deeper to understand what is behind the phrase. Let’s examine the meanings and historical information of 10 popular idioms to expand your grasp of the English language.
An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom’s individual elements. In other words, idioms don’t mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning.
For your IELTS Speaking test, idiomatic language can be important because it is one of the elements in this component of the test the examiner looks for. You can see the marking criteria for your Speaking test here.
Click each idiom to see the history, meaning and use in a sentence.
- A whole new ball game
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Meaning
A situation that is completely different from what one is used to or expectingIn a sentence
I used to babysit, but having a child of my own is a new ballgame - Jump (or climb) on the bandwagon
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Meaning
Join others in doing or supporting something fashionable or likely to be successful.
Origin
Bandwagon was originally the US term for a large wagon able to carry a band in a procession.
In a sentence
When your TV show does extremely well, advertisers will be competing to be the first to jump on the bandwagon.
- Off (or way off) beam
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Meaning
When you are mistaken, inaccurate, or incorrect. Or when you are going against or straying away from the correct line of thinking
Origin
Originally, this phrase referred to the radio beam or signal used to guide aircraft.
In a sentence
The boss’ comments about opposing a diverse workforce so off beam.
- At someone’s beck and call
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Meaning
Always having to be ready to obey someone’s orders immediately.
Origin
Beck in the sense of “significant gesture of command” comes from the verb beck, which is shortened form of beckon and is now found mainly in this phrase.
In a sentence
She is going to be confined to a wheelchair for the next three weeks but she’s not complaining as she will have a nurse at her beck and call.
- Bed of nails
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Meaning
A problematic or uncomfortable situation.
Origin
Originally a board with nails pointing out of it, as used by Eastern fakirs and ascetics.
In a sentence
My parents are very judgmental and living with them can be a bed of nails.
- Make a beeline for
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Meaning
Go rapidly and directly towards.
Origin
The bee was supposed to fly in such a way when returning to its hive.
In a sentence
The hungry tourists made a beeline for the buffet that featured delicious food from all over the world.
- Beggar on horseback
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Meaning
A formerly poor person made arrogant or corrupt through achieving wealth and luxury.
Origin
The proverbial saying set a beggar on horseback and he’ll ride to the devil.
In a sentence
It’s not surprising that he lost everything and is being investigated by the authorities as he was a beggar on a horseback.
- Work like a beaver
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Meaning
Join others in doing or supporting something fashionable or likely to be successful.
Origin
Bandwagon was originally the US term for a large wagon able to carry a band in a procession.
In a sentence
When your TV show does extremely well, advertisers will be competing to be the first to jump on the bandwagon.
Source: Oxford Dictionary of Idioms
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