Unlocking TOEFL Success: Mastering Common Idioms
Are you looking for a secret weapon to boost your TOEFL score? Mastering common English idioms is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate fluency and a deeper understanding of the language. The TOEFL iBT tests these idiomatic expressions across all sections—especially Listening and Speaking. This guide will break down 10 essential idioms you need to know, complete with examples and practice tips.
10 Essential Idioms for the TOEFL Exam
Focus on understanding these phrases in context. The key isn't just to memorize them, but to recognize and use them naturally.
1. By and Large
Meaning: On the whole; for the most part; generally.
Example Sentence: "While a few students found the lecture difficult, by and large, the feedback was very positive."
2. Few and Far Between
Meaning: Rare; not happening or found very often.
Example Sentence: "During the dry season, rainy days are few and far between."
3. In the Long Run
Meaning: Eventually; over a long period of time in the future.
Example Sentence: "Investing in renewable energy is expensive, but it will save the planet in the long run."
4. Make Ends Meet
Meaning: To have just enough money to pay for essential living costs.
Example Sentence: "After losing his job, he had to take on part-time work just to make ends meet."
5. Take for Granted
Meaning: To fail to properly appreciate someone or something, especially as a result of familiarity.
Example Sentence: "It's easy to take for granted the hard work our parents do for us."
6. On the Dot
Meaning: Exactly at a specific time.
Example Sentence: "The train arrived at 8:15 AM on the dot, just as the schedule promised."
7. Get the Hang of Something
Meaning: To learn how to do a particular task or activity.
Example Sentence: "Driving a manual car is tricky at first, but you'll get the hang of it after a few lessons."
8. Cut Corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by sacrificing quality.
Example Sentence: "The company went out of business because they started to cut corners on product quality to save money."
9. Read Between the Lines
Meaning: To understand the real, hidden meaning behind what someone is saying or writing.
Example Sentence: "She said she was fine, but if you read between the lines, you could tell she was upset."
10. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example Sentence: "I'm very busy with my studies, so I only get to see my friends from my hometown once in a blue moon."
How to Practice TOEFL Idioms Effectively
Memorization isn't enough. You need to actively use these phrases to truly master them. Here are four effective practice techniques:
- Create Example Sentences: For every new idiom you learn, write two or three of your own sentences. This helps solidify the meaning in your memory.
- Listen Actively: Pay close attention when watching English movies, TV shows, or listening to podcasts. When you hear an idiom, pause and write it down.
- Use Them in Speaking Practice: Make it a goal to use at least one new idiom every time you practice for the TOEFL Speaking section.
- Incorporate Them into Writing: Challenge yourself to naturally weave an idiom or two into your practice essays for the TOEFL Writing section.
Put Your Knowledge into Practice with USpeak
The best way to put this theory into practice is by speaking with a real partner. Using idioms in a live conversation is the final step to mastering them and sounding more like a native speaker.
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