Advanced IELTS® Idioms

a run on

(idiom/phrase) A sudden spike in consumption or spending.

a square deal

(idiom/phrase) An agreement that is fair towards all parties.

all the rage

(idiom/phrase) It means that something is extremely popular or fashionable.

an acquired taste

(idiom/phrase) It refers to the situation when something does not like you at the beginning, but the more you experience it, the more you like it.

be in arrears

(idiom/phrase) To be late when you have to pay back a debt.

on behalf of

(idiom/phrase) Speaking or doing things in the name of someone else, usually in their interest.

elasticity of demand

(idiom/phrase) A measure of how much demand for a good or product is affected by changes in its price.

have the time of your life

(idiom/phrase) To have a lot of fun; to thoroughly enjoy.

have time on your hands

(idiom/phrase) To have free time; to have time to relax or enjoy yourself.

in retrospect

(idiom/phrase) Thinking about a past event; going back to the past event with a different perspective.

in the blink of an eye

(idiom/phrase) Taking an unexpectedly short amount of time to happen.

in the cold light of day

(idiom/phrase) Looking back with a calm frame of mind.

make a go of something

(idiom/phrase) To make something successful.

not have the foggiest idea

(idiom/phrase) To have no clue; to be completely unable to answer a question.

play hardball

(idiom/phrase) To act in a hostile, aggressive manner during a competition; to not go easy.

sign on the dotted line

(idiom/phrase) To agree to the proposed signing of a document.

take a tumble

(idiom/phrase) When someone or something falls.

take stock

(idiom/phrase) Assessment of the situation and circumstances before making a final decision about something.

the purse strings

(idiom/phrase) Referring to money and the control of money expenditure.

the rat race

(idiom/phrase) An expression describing the struggle of individuals to compete with others and earn or gain success.

weather the storm

(idiom/phrase) To reach the end of a difficult situation without too much harm.

wheeling and dealing

(idiom/phrase) To plan and engage in dishonest actions in politics or business.