Idioms: work and study
Idioms like a piece of cake, hit the books and learn the ropes.
Idioms are groups of words with a meaning you can't guess from the individual words: a piece of cake has nothing to do with cake – it means 'very easy'. Using a few idioms correctly in the Speaking test makes you sound fluent and natural. Most idioms are informal: they sound natural when you speak and in informal emails, articles and reviews, but can sound out of place in an essay or a report. Look at the label next to each one.
Studying and exams
Work
Say it with an idiom
The same idea, first in plain English, then with an idiom.
- Plain: The test was very easy.With an idiom: The test was a piece of cake.Perfect in Speaking – but in an essay, keep 'very easy'.
- Plain: I have too much work at the moment.With an idiom: I'm snowed under at the moment.Natural and informal.
- Plain: I'm starting to understand how to use it.With an idiom: I'm starting to get the hang of it.Very common in conversation.
- Plain: Let's stop working now.With an idiom: Let's call it a day.A friendly way to finish.
In the Speaking test, one or two idioms used naturally are worth more than ten forced ones. Choose a few that you really like, practise them in real sentences, and use them only when they fit what you want to say.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Los 40 phrasal verbs más útiles para el B2 First →