One of the first things you may learn about during your IELTS course is different types of idiom, what they mean and how to use them. You will quickly become accustomed to how many are used in every day conversation and how they can help you in the IELTS speaking exam.

Group IELTS lessons at SI-UK’s Language Centre feature a large mix of different nationalities from all over the world. Whether you are from Europe, South America, Africa or south and east Asia, you will be learning amongst like-minded young adults who are themselves coming to grips with the English language. If you want to learn more about cheap IELTS lessons in London, visit our Language Centre today.

Different types of Idiom

1. Slow boat to China

This describe something that is very slow and takes a long time.

  • Example: “The progress of this project is like a slow boat to China.”

Imagine you and your friend are travelling across the ocean from London to China by rowboat. How long is it going to take?

2. It is all Greek to me

This is to express that you do not understand something at all.

  • Example: “Everything in this IELTS textbook is Greek to me.”

Greek is generally regarded as an extremely complicated language. For example, ‘δεν καταλαβαίνω’. Do you understand this? The answer is likely, “It is all Greek to me. I do not understand!”.

3. All roads lead to Rome

This is an expression that means any routes have the same result.

  • Example: “It does not matter if you study on Monday or Friday, as long as you work hard, you will pass the IELTS exam. All roads lead to Rome.”

This expression is related to the fact that during the Roman Empire, all roads in some form led directly to Rome.

Study IELTS in London

Remember that the best way to improve your use of idioms is with IELTS preparation classes at SI-UK’s London Language Centre. Improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with our low cost and flexible lesons in central London.