Common Idioms for IELTS Topic On a Knife Edge
The IELTS Speaking test measures how well you can use idiomatic language. IELTS Idioms help the candidate to build vocabulary and help to improve the score. In order to answer IELTS speaking and reading sections, the candidates must learn different types of idioms used in IELTS. This particular idiom will help you understand its literal meaning and how you can use it in IELTS speaking.
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The IELTS speaking section can be well prepared with the help of different kinds of idioms. This particular IELTS speaking idiom ‘On a Knife Edge’ consists of exercises that will help the candidates to understand the correct usage of this idiom in a conversation.
Common Idioms for IELTS Topic On a Knife Edge
The IELTS Idiom ‘On a Knife Edge’ means in a very difficult situation and also there is a thoughts about the future to be secure
Sentence: I feel I’m on a knife edge whenever I look at my marksheet.
Sentence: The thought of what my son will do without me puts me on a knife edge.
Exercise:
- The sentence given below contains an idiom. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.
“When Ben sold his house for his investment, he obviously put himself on a knife edge.”
- He needed a knife.
- He wanted to go somewhere.
- He was satisfied with his decision.
- He put himself at risk.
Answer: D
Explanation: Here option D, is the right option for the above question. The idiom “on a knife edge” refers to putting oneself in a dicy situation.
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- Describe the time when you was in the dangerous situation. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– When did it happen ?
– What did you do during this time ?
– How did you escape from the situation ?
– And do you learn any lesson from this ?
Answer: Once I’ve put myself on a knife edge when I forgot the calculator in the business management qualification test. The test specifically required a lot of calculations. I asked the examiner to allow me to go outside the test hall and go to my dad outside and ask him to arrange a calculator. The examiner luckily allowed it. That day I learned to make myself double sure regarding anything which is important and would be essential for the task that I’m going to appear.
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Read More Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Few Similar IELTS Idiomatic Phrases:
- Down and outs
Meaning: The homeless people sleeping on streets without food and shelter.
Sentence: The down and outs are seen often in winters, I feel sorry for them.
Exercise:
- The sentence given below contains an idiom. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.
“She’s always giving money to down and outs and anyone who begs in the street.”
A. She gives money to everyone she meets on the street.
B. She gives money to the government.
C. She gives money to poor people who have no home, no job.
D. She is all out money .
Answer: C
Explanation: Here option C is the most suitable one. The idiomatic phrase “down and outs” refers to the poor people who have no home, no job.
- Describe the time when you help someone. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– When did it happen ?
– What does he/she look like ?
– What did you do to help him/her ?
– And How did you feel when you did it ?
Answer: I once remember I helped a down and out one, outside my house. It was a rainy day, he was sitting and was all drenched. I asked my mother if we could call him inside. She agreed and I called him inside. My mother offered him some snacks and tea. I felt extremely happy while doing this.
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- Have Egg On Your Face
Meaning: an embarrassing feeling because you did something stupid
Sentence: Once I answered my brother’s call, it was so wrong to answer someone else’s phone, I felt having an egg on my face.
Exercise:
- The sentence given below contains an idiom. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.
“You’ll have egg on your face if your plane doesn’t work.”
A. You’ll be fired if your plane doesn’t work.
B. You’ll have eggs if your plane doesn’t work.
C. You need to have eggs if you want to your plane works effectively.
D. You will be embarrassed if your plane doesn’t work .
Answer: D
Explanation: Here option D is the most suitable one. The idiomatic phrase “have egg on your face” refers to embarrassed if your plane doesn’t work.
- Describe the stupid thing you have done and you regret doing this. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– When did it happen ?
– What did you do ?
– How did you feel when you did it ?
– And Did you learn any lesson about this ?
Answer: I had egg on my face because of all the stupid things that I did last night. So, last night I got drunk and called my boss to tell him how rude he is. He never appreciates me. And that I will resign if he doesn’t give me an appraisal. But today moring I feel so awkward to face my boss. Though he didn’t said anything yet but gave me a cold look. I fell I will be fired soon. This is a life lesson for me and would never do such thing ever in my life.
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