Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking The Gift of the Gab

An idiom is a phrase or expression in which meaning cannot be directly understood by reading each word. For IELTS speaking candidates must learn how to use them accurately, so they don't sound unnatural. There are thousands of idioms and phrasal verbs used every day when we express ourselves.

Check: Get Free IELTS Sample Papers

It is very important to consider the context of to whom or what the idiom is pointed towards. This particular IELTS speaking idiom ‘The Gift of the Gab’ consists of different exercises so that the candidates understand the accurate usage of this idiom in a conversation.

Topic: Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking The Gift of the Gab

• The Gift of the Gab

Origin: This idiom is speculated to start from the Middle English word ‘gob’ which means mouth and ‘gabbe’ which means idle talk.

Meaning: Ability for verbal fluency, especially the ability to talk persuasively, to speak in a self-assured way

Synonyms: blarney, cacoethes loquendi, diarrhea of the mouth, flowing tongue.

Examples:

1. Tabetha really has the gift of gab, she should participate in the debate.
2. Mathew’s gift of gab really got him the job at his dream company.
3. Sarah with her speech made everyone emotional at the wedding. She has got the gift of the gab.
4. Lawers possess the gift of the gab which sometimes makes it is difficult to even have a small argument with them because they are always ready with the answers.
5. The hosts and anchors have the gift of the gab, they make any dull event more happening with their anchoring.

Exercise :

1. The sentence given below contains an idiom. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.

He has the gift of the gab.

a) He is gifted
b) He is a chatterbox
c) He is a good conservationist

Answer: C

Explanation: The sentence mentioned above means that the person has the power of verbal fluency. The idiom gift of gab means to speak conveniently and effectively and to convince other people with your words. So according to this, the correct answer should be option C.

Also, check:

2. Choose the suitable idiom to complete the sentence below:

My teacher can talk publicly for long hours without preparing for the speech. He definitely has ……………

1. The last straw.
2. The gift of the gab
3. A piece of cake

Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence given above talks about the teacher talking for long hours without being prepared about what to speak. This means that she is a good speaker and has the ability to speak easily. As per this, the correct answer is the gift of gab because it fits the description very well.