Essential IELTS Collocations

A comprehensive vocabulary review of core English collocations and idiomatic phrases commonly tested across all IELTS exam tasks, covering Sources 1 through 5.

Let one's hair down

To relax and unwind after a period of effort or stress.

Drop-dead gorgeous

Extremely attractive or stunningly beautiful.

The length and breadth of sth

Every part or the entire extent of a place or area.

Make headlines

To become prominent or featured as an important news story.

Take measures to do sth

To take specific steps or actions to achieve a goal.

It is the height of stupidity to do sth

It is extraordinarily foolish or senseless to perform an action.

Pave the way for

To create conditions that make it possible or easier for something to happen.

Speak highly of sth/sb

To praise or express a high, positive opinion of someone or something.

Be tight with money

To be very frugal, stingy, or careful with expenditures.

With a view to V-ing

With the aim, intention, or purpose of doing something.

In view of

Taking into consideration, or because of a particular situation.

Get straight to the point

To address the most important issue directly without unnecessary discussion.

Take sth for granted

To accept something as normal or guaranteed without showing gratitude.

A good run for one's money

A prolonged period of valuable enjoyment, strong competition, or satisfaction from an endeavor.

Hold good

To remain valid, true, or in effect.

See eye to eye

To agree fully or share the exact same perspective on an issue.

Put a stop to sth (Put an end to sth)

To bring something to a conclusion or terminate an ongoing activity.

Pick sb's brain

To consult someone knowledgeable to obtain advice, ideas, or information.

Probe into

To investigate, examine, or inquire deeply into a matter.

On the verge of

At the brink or very close to experiencing or doing something.

Lay claim to sth

To state officially that one has a legal right of ownership over something.

Pour scorn on sb

To mock, ridicule, or treat someone with intense contempt.

Break new ground

To do something innovative or make pioneering discoveries in a field.

Be rushed off one's feet

To be overwhelmingly busy and overwhelmed with tasks.

Be/come under fire

To face severe criticism, backlash, or aggressive scrutiny.

Have a (good) head for sth

To possess a natural talent, aptitude, or mental competence for a subject.

Reduce sb to tears (Make sb cry)

To cause someone to break down and weep.

Take a fancy to

To develop a sudden liking or fondness for someone or something.

Get a kick out of

To experience great enjoyment, thrill, or amusement from something.

Kick up a fuss about

To complain loudly, make a scene, or create an excessive disturbance about an issue.

Be that as it may

Nevertheless; accepting that to be true, but introducing a counterpoint.

Take out insurance on sth (Buy an insurance policy for sth)

To purchase an insurance policy covering a specific item or risk.

Make a go of sth

To manage an enterprise, venture, or relationship successfully.

Rise to the occasion

To demonstrate the ability to perform well and overcome an unexpected challenge.

Put sb off sth

To discourage someone or cause them to lose interest in an activity or thing.

Cross one's mind

To briefly enter someone's thoughts.

You can say that again

An expression used to indicate total and enthusiastic agreement with a statement.

Word has it that

An expression indicating that something is rumored or widely reported by others.

At the expense of sth

In a manner that damages, sacrifices, or compromises something else.

Be gripped with a fever

To be severely stricken and tormented by a high fever.

On the brink of collapse

In a precarious state, extremely close to failing or disintegrating entirely.

Come down with sth

To contract or begin suffering from an illness.

Make up for sth

To compensate for a loss, mistake, or disadvantage.

Get through to sb

To succeed in making someone comprehend or listen to a message.

Face up to sth

To confront and accept a difficult or unpleasant reality courageously.

An authority on sth

A recognized, reputable expert or specialist in a particular discipline.

Meet the demand for sth

To satisfy or adequately fulfill the requirements and needs for a commodity or service.

Pat yourself on the back (Praise yourself)

To congratulate or express pride in one's own accomplishments.

Take/have priority over sth

To be treated as more urgent or significant than another matter.

By virtue of + N/V-ing

Because of, through the power of, or as a consequence of something.

In recognition of + N/V-ing

As an official acknowledgment, celebration, or reward for an accomplishment.

Put up with

To tolerate, endure, or bear an unpleasant person or situation patiently.

Make ends meet

To earn just enough income to cover necessary living costs.

Commit sth to memory

To memorize something thoroughly so that it is retained accurately.

Come to nothing

To end in complete failure or yield no fruitful outcome.

Tip the scales in one's favor

To shift a situation or outcome so that it provides a decisive advantage.

Stand in with sb

To be in a close alliance, association, or friendly relation with someone.

Take sb for a ride

To deceive, cheat, or exploit someone dishonestly.

Bumper crop

An extraordinarily large and productive agricultural harvest.