Common Idioms for IELTS Topic Down At Heel

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.

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It is very important to consider the context of to whom or what the idiom is pointed towards. These IELTS speaking idioms consist of different exercises so that the candidates understand the accurate usage of the idioms in a conversation.

Common Idioms for IELTS Topic Down At Heel

Meaning: Having a worn-out, shabby, or cheap appearance

Example:

1. Ever since he lost his job he has been looking down-at-heel.
2. She had an apartment above a down-at-heel grocery store.

Exercise:

Choose the suitable idiom to complete the sentence below.

1. “The homeless usually are ______________ because they cannot buy basic food let alone good clothes.”

1. have her name in lights
2. down at heel
3. dressed to kill
4. runs in the family

Answer: B

Explanation: The idiom Down at heel refers to a person or place that looks in bad condition.

2. Describe a time when you helped someone. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:

– When it happened

– Who you helped

– What he or she did after receiving your help

And explain why you helped her or him

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Answer: I found a man outside my home who was down-at-heel. I felt bad so I offered him help.

I called a few people from an organization and they took very good care of him. I gave that man some money. He was very happy and he thanked me a million times.

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A few More Similar Idioms for IELTS Speaking

• Dress To Kill

Meaning: Someone who wears very smart or fashionable clothes to get everyone’s attention.

Example:

1. She attended the function dressed to kill.
2. The actress Jennifer Lawrence is dressed to kill in the champagne gown.

Exercise:

Choose the suitable idiom to complete the sentence below.

1. When Joe came to pick Mary up for the movie, he ________________ and carried a dozen roses.

1. have her name in lights
2. castles in the air
3. dressed to kill
4. runs in the family

Answer: C

Explanation: The idiom used in the sentence refers to intentionally wearing clothes that attract attention and admiration.

2. Describe a wedding you have attended. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:

– When it happened

– Who you went with

– What you do at this wedding

And explain why you liked it or didn’t like it

Answer: I went to the wedding of my school friend. First, I was very confused about what to wear so I went shopping. But I couldn’t find anything so I borrowed my cousin’s outfit and customized it a little bit. It was looking very beautiful and I got so many compliments. The best one was that I dressed to kill.

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• Run In The Family

Meaning: A hereditary trait or a characteristic frequently exhibited by members of a family.

Example:

1. Heart disease runs in their family
2. All their kids have blue eyes, It runs in the family.

.Exercise:

Choose the suitable idiom to complete the sentence below.

1. “His father and uncle were basketball stars in college,so athletic ability _______________________.“

1. have her name in lights
2. castles in the air
3. reinvent the wheel
4. runs in the family

Answer: D

Explanation: The idiom used in the above sentence means a characteristic that appears in many members of a family.

2. Describe a member of your family that you like to talk with. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:

– Who he or she is

– How he or she looks like

– What you usually do when you meet he or she

And explain why you want to talk with him or her

Answer: I like to spend time with my whole family. But the most time I spend with them is with my siblings. We are best friends. I like to talk to her and share everything with her. We do a lot of adventurous stuff together. All of my family members have a different approach to leading a life which makes us different from others. This kind of runs in the family so we can’t really gel up with others that is why I hang out more with my siblings.