These are some everyday British phrases that you could incorporate into your IELTS speaking test!

Popular British Idioms (1)

To be really happy or pleased about something. Footballers often say this when they are interviewed about a good game! "I'm over the moon with how that went!", "She was over the moon with the gift you gave her!"

Something you don't like or don't care for. "I know people love football but it's just not my cup of tea." If you're in London you might also hear "it's not my cup of Rosie" - 'Rosie Lee' is old Cockney slang for 'tea'.

To do something unpleasant that you don't want to do. "I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and see the dentist about my toothache!" (Despite all the jokes, British dentists are not so bad these days!!)

To have no money. "I can't go to the pub on Friday. It's another week until payday and I'm skint!", "There's no point asking Mary for money, I know she's skint!"

Shocked or very surprised. "When my numbers came up on the lottery, I was gobsmacked!", "To say I was gobsmacked at that announcement would be putting it mildly!"

An unexpected event that prevents a course of action from being effective. "I was looking forward to my holiday to Spain but British Airways going on strike has put a spanner in the works."