Disregarding vocabulary expansion during your PTE review can compromise your test performance. Here’s why.
Limited vocabulary increases tip-of-the-tongue moments. These are the instances when you recognize an expression but can’t quite recall exactly what it means or you know there’s a word that’ll adequately convey your message but you can’t remember what that word is. Minimize these moments by building up your vocabulary during your test preparations.
Hone your communication skills by expanding your English vocabulary. Increase your chances of getting a high score by learning how to use the following idiomatic expressions.
Limited vocabulary increases tip-of-the-tongue moments. These are the instances when you recognize an expression but can’t quite recall exactly what it means or you know there’s a word that’ll adequately convey your message but you can’t remember what that word is. Minimize these moments by building up your vocabulary during your test preparations.
Hone your communication skills by expanding your English vocabulary. Increase your chances of getting a high score by learning how to use the following idiomatic expressions.
- Hang in there
To remain determined and persistent in one’s endeavors despite difficult circumstances.
Example:
“Don’t let the pressure get to you. Hang in there and continue applying CPR to the patient.” - Sell someone out To betray someone.
Example:
“I can’t believe Sam would sell us out over something so shallow.” - A snowball effect It refers to a seemingly insignificant situation that drastically increases in magnitude and importance over a short period of time.
Example:
The council hopes that the latest developments will have a snowball effect and promote better waste management in the community. - Something up your sleeve
To have a secret or backup plan to overcome high odds or surprise someone with.
Example:
After weeks of intensive PTE review, Emma is not worried about the test. She knows she has more than enough tricks up her sleeve to counter just about anything the exam could throw at her.
- Leave no stone unturned
To try every course of action possible to accomplish something.
Example:
The reporter left no stone unturned in his search for the original records.
- Step up your game
To enhance one’s performance.
Example:
“Jaime lost another client? He really needs to step up his game if he wants to keep his job.”
- Through thick and thin
To endure something with someone no matter how difficult or trying the circumstances are.
Example:
He promised to stand by him through thick and thin.
- A storm in a teacup
It refers to a disproportionate reaction of displeasure, annoyance, concern, or anger over a considerably trivial matter.
Example:
I think the whole thing is a storm in a teacup blown out of proportions by over-the-top social media reactions and mass media coverage.
- Come hell or high water
To continue doing something regardless of the difficulties that may arise.
Example:
I’ll finish all my PTE packages before I take the exam, come hell or high water!
- On cloud nine
To be extremely happy.
Example:
Ryan was on cloud nine when she passed the licensure exam.
- That/The ship has sailed
It refers to a missed opportunity or an unchangeable situation.
Example:
I know there are a lot of great promos about PTE packages this week. Sadly, that ship has sailed for me. I had already enrolled in a training program last week.
- Play the devil’s advocate
It refers to someone who argues against a position, concept, or cause – either to pinpoint its validity or just for the sake of argument.
Example:
She’s the most objective and level-headed member of their group. It’s no wonder she was asked to play the devil’s advocate.
- At the drop of a hat
To do something with little or no provocation.
Example:
He may not look like it, but he cries at the drop of a hat. So, don’t let him watch those tragic movies.
- Best of both worlds
To be in a position where you can enjoy the benefits of two different or opposing things simultaneously.
Example:
My sister has the best of both worlds working as a researcher at her university. It gives her the privileges of an instructor and the freedom of a student.
- Hit the nail on the head
To describe a situation or issue precisely or to say or do exactly the right thing at the right moment.
Example:
Surprisingly, Will hit the nail on the head on his first attempt. The picky client was so pleased with this work.
References:
"50 Popular English Idioms to Sound Like a Native Speaker." MyEnglishTeacher.eu Blog. October 31, 2017. Accessed March 5, 2018. https://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/50-popular-english-idioms-and-slang-words/.
Alan. "20 Essential English Idioms for Sounding Like a Native." FluentU English. July 08, 2017. Accessed March 5, 2018. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/essential-english-idioms/
"English Idioms | Learn English." EF. Accessed March 5, 2018. https://www.ef.com/english-resources/english-idioms/.
"Idiomatic Expressions." English Grammar Revolution: Grammar Made Easy. Accessed March 5, 2018. https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/idiomatic-expressions.html
Possel, Heiko. "Famous Idioms | Meaning." Smart Words - Advanced Vocabulary. Accessed March 5, 2018. http://www.smart-words.org/quotes-sayings/idioms-meaning.html
"TheIdioms.com." The Idioms - Largest Idioms Dictionary. Accessed March 5, 2018. http://www.theidioms.com/.
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