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When it comes to OET speaking, communication is key. One way to boost your conversational skills and sound more natural is to use idioms. This blog will show you how to use idioms confidently for OET speaking, what they mean, how to use them and examples. By using these phrases you can show off your language skills and be speaking like a native professional. Let’s get into how you can make the most of idioms in your OET speaking.
What Are Idioms?
Idioms are phrases or expressions where the meaning is not literal. They are culturally embedded and used to convey ideas in a more figurative way. Think of idioms as shortcuts to understanding how native speakers express emotions, attitudes or situations.
For example phrases like “break the ice” or “under the weather” don’t make sense if taken literally but have a meaning. “Break the ice” means to start a conversation or reduce tension, “under the weather” means feeling unwell.
Using idioms in your OET speaking can give you an advantage by making your responses sound more fluent and natural. But you need to know how and when to use them especially in a healthcare setting.
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How to Use Idioms in OET Speaking
1: What is the primary purpose of a patient’s discharge summary?
- Use Idioms that are Relevant to the Scenario: When you take the OET, you’re not chatting with friends. You’ll be in healthcare related scenarios—often doctor-patient conversations. The idioms you choose should fit these professional settings. For example using phrases like “a tough pill to swallow” can be suitable when discussing bad news. Don’t use overly casual or complex idioms that may confuse your listener.
- Don’t Overload Your Speech with Idioms: While idioms can boost your speaking skills, using too many of them can have the opposite effect. Use one or two idioms per dialogue, too many can sound forced or unnatural. Make sure the idioms fit in seamlessly with your conversation, not overpowering your main points.
- Know the Exact Meaning and Usage: Before using an idiom, make sure you know its meaning and context. Misusing an idiom in your OET speaking exam can lead to confusion or loss of clarity. A mistake can make the examiner question your fluency and comprehension, so practice with idioms you are familiar with.
- Idioms to Build Rapport: Using idioms like “bend over backwards” (to make extra effort) can show empathy when speaking to patients. For example if you’re reassuring a patient who’s anxious about treatment you might say, “Don’t worry we’ll bend over backwards to make sure you’re comfortable.” This adds warmth to your dialogue, good communication skills.
- Balance Formality and Idiomatic Speech: While idioms add a conversational tone, remember that the OET speaking test is professional. It’s essential to maintain formality. Using idioms in a way that supports your points without making the conversation too casual or colloquial is key.
Examples of Idioms for OET Speaking
Here are some idioms that can be used effectively in various OET speaking scenarios:
1. A bitter pill to swallow
– Meaning: Something difficult to accept.
– Example: “I understand this diagnosis is a bitter pill to swallow, but we’ll work through it together.”
2. Break the ice
– Meaning: To initiate conversation and ease tension.
– Example: “Let’s break the ice by discussing your symptoms.”
3. Under the weather
– Meaning: Feeling unwell.
– Example: “You mentioned you’ve been under the weather. Could you tell me more?”
4. Take it easy
– Meaning: To rest and avoid stress.
– Example: “After your procedure, be sure to take it easy.”
5. A tough nut to crack
– Meaning: A difficult problem.
– Example: “Your symptoms are quite unique, and this case might be a tough nut to crack.”
6. In good hands
– Meaning: Being cared for by a competent person.
– Example: “You’re in good hands with our team of specialists.”
7. Hit the nail on the head
– Meaning: To describe something accurately.
– Example: “You’ve hit the nail on the head with your concerns about your medication.”
8. Bend over backwards
– Meaning: To make an extra effort.
– Example: “Our team will bend over backwards to ensure your comfort.”
9. A blessing in disguise
– Meaning: Something good that isn’t obvious at first.
– Example: “Catching this early might be a blessing in disguise.”
10. Cut to the chase
– Meaning: To get to the point.
– Example: “Let’s cut to the chase and discuss your treatment options.”
11. On the mend
– Meaning: Recovering from illness.
– Example: “It’s great to see you’re on the mend after surgery.”
12. Face the music
– Meaning: To confront a difficult situation.
– Example: “It’s time to face the music and discuss your test results.”
13. Out of the woods
– Meaning: Out of danger.
– Example: “You’re not out of the woods yet, but you’re making good progress.”
14. Keep an eye on
– Meaning: To monitor something carefully.
– Example: “We’ll keep an eye on your symptoms to see how they develop.”
15. A clean bill of health
– Meaning: Declared healthy.
– Example: “I’m happy to give you a clean bill of health today.”
16. Up in the air
– Meaning: Uncertain.
– Example: “The exact diagnosis is still up in the air, but we’re getting closer.”
17. Get to the root of the problem
– Meaning: To find the main cause.
– Example: “We need more tests to get to the root of the problem.”
18. Burn the candle at both ends
– Meaning: To overwork oneself.
– Example: “You’ve been burning the candle at both ends, which might explain your fatigue.”
19. The ball is in your court
– Meaning: It’s your decision.
– Example: “We’ve discussed all the treatment options. Now the ball is in your court.”
20. By the book
– Meaning: To follow the rules strictly.
– Example: “We’ll handle this case by the book to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
21. Under the knife
– Meaning: To undergo surgery.
– Example: “You’ll be going under the knife tomorrow for the procedure.”
22. Take a turn for the worse
– Meaning: To deteriorate.
– Example: “His condition took a turn for the worse overnight.”
23. In the dark
– Meaning: Uninformed.
– Example: “You must feel in the dark about your condition, but I’ll explain everything now.”
24. Once in a blue moon
– Meaning: Very rarely.
– Example: “This kind of reaction only happens once in a blue moon.”
25. Get back on your feet
– Meaning: To recover.
– Example: “After your rehabilitation, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.”
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26. Hang in there
– Meaning: To persevere.
– Example: “Hang in there; you’re doing great and recovery is on the horizon.”
27. In the same boat
– Meaning: In the same situation.
– Example: “Many patients are in the same boat when starting this treatment.”
28. Light at the end of the tunnel
– Meaning: A sign of improvement.
– Example: “There’s light at the end of the tunnel as your symptoms are getting better.”
29. On your last legs
– Meaning: Exhausted or near the end of life.
– Example: “He looks like he’s on his last legs due to severe illness.”
30. Put yourself in someone’s shoes
– Meaning: To imagine being in someone else’s situation.
– Example: “Put yourself in the patient’s shoes; it’s a very difficult situation for them.”
31. Call it a day
– Meaning: To stop working for the day.
– Example: “You’ve done enough for today, let’s call it a day and rest.”
32. Add fuel to the fire
– Meaning: To make a situation worse.
– Example: “Skipping your medication will only add fuel to the fire.”
33. At the end of the day
– Meaning: After considering everything.
– Example: “At the end of the day, your health is what matters most.”
34. Clear the air
– Meaning: To resolve confusion.
– Example: “Let’s clear the air about your treatment plan.”
35. Hit the ground running
– Meaning: To start something and do it well from the beginning.
– Example: “After your operation, we’ll hit the ground running with rehabilitation.”
36. Out of the blue
– Meaning: Unexpectedly.
– Example: “Your symptoms appeared out of the blue.”
37. The last straw
– Meaning: The final problem in a series.
– Example: “This recurring pain was the last straw; we need to find a solution.”
38. Go the extra mile
– Meaning: To make an extra effort.
– Example: “We always go the extra mile to ensure our patients are comfortable.”
39. A weight off your shoulders
– Meaning: To feel relieved.
– Example: “Getting those results must be a weight off your shoulders.”
40. Bite the bullet
– Meaning: To endure something unpleasant.
– Example: “You may need to bite the bullet and begin treatment immediately.”
41. A shot in the arm
– Meaning: Something that boosts morale or provides encouragement.
– Example: “This progress is like a shot in the arm for your recovery.”
42. In over your head
– Meaning: In a situation beyond your ability to handle.
– Example: “You might feel in over your head, but we’ll guide you through each step.”
43. Keep your chin up
– Meaning: To stay positive.
– Example: “Keep your chin up, you’re making progress every day.”
44. Jump the gun
– Meaning: To act prematurely.
– Example: “We don’t want to jump the gun; let’s wait for the test results.”
45. Cut corners
– Meaning: To do something poorly or cheaply.
– Example: “We won’t cut corners on your treatment. You’ll receive the best care.”
46. Hit rock bottom
– Meaning: To be in the worst possible situation.
– Example: “You may feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, but there are still treatment options.”
47. Take a rain check
– Meaning: To postpone a plan.
– Example: “Let’s take a rain check on this discussion until we have all the test results.”
48. A ray of hope
– Meaning: A small sign of improvement.
– Example: “There’s a ray of hope with the latest developments in your treatment.”
49. Throw in the towel
– Meaning: To give up.
– Example: “Don’t throw in the towel just yet; there are still options to explore.”
50. Back to square one
– Meaning: To start over again.
– Example: “If this treatment doesn’t work, we might have to go back to square one.”
These idioms can help make your communication during OET speaking more natural, relatable, and professional.
Why Idioms Can Help You Score Higher in OET Speaking
Using idioms in OET speaking isn’t just about sounding fluent – it’s also about showing the examiner you have control over natural everyday language used by native speakers. Here are some reasons why using idioms in moderation can help:
- Fluency: When you use idioms correctly, it shows you understand the subtleties of English and can have more complex conversations.
- Rapport: Using empathetic idioms can help you build a stronger connection with patients, showing your communication skills.
- Natural Speech: Idioms are part of conversational English. Using them makes your speech sound more human and less mechanical.
Boost Your OET Speaking with Entri’s OET Course
Preparing for OET can be daunting, especially when you need to master both formal and conversational English. That’s where Entri’s OET coaching classes come in. Entri is a leading online platform offering tailored OET coaching covering all aspects of the exam including the speaking module.
Why Choose Entri for OET Preparation?
- Expert Trainers: Entri has trainers who are familiar with the OET exam format.
- Customised Learning: Whether you need to focus on speaking, writing, reading or listening, Entri’s OET course adapts to your learning needs.
- Real-life Scenarios: The course includes practical training with healthcare-related scenarios to help you feel confident and prepared.
- Idiomatic Usage: Special attention is given to idiomatic expressions and conversational fluency so you can use idioms effectively in your OET speaking exam.
- Affordable and Accessible: With competitive pricing and flexible scheduling, you can access high quality OET preparation from anywhere.
So you’re not just preparing for an exam – you’re learning to communicate in real-life healthcare scenarios. Sign up now and get started with your OET speaking exam!
Elevate your OET scores with Entri Expert Team! Join for Free Demo Class!
Conclusion
Using idioms for OET speaking can help you with fluency and communication. When used correctly idioms make your speech sound more human and help you connect with patients and examiners. Use idioms in moderation, choose the right ones and practice them beforehand.
So go for it—and with Entri’s OET course you’ll be OET speaking in no time. Practice, learn and use idioms for a great exam experience.
| Related Links | |
| OET Exam | OET Speaking – Complete Guide |
| OET Speaking Preparation Tips | OET Reading – Complete Guide |
| OET vs IELTS | Prepare for OET in 1 year |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are idioms, and why are they important for the OET speaking test?
Idioms are common expressions where the meaning differs from the literal words. They help make your English sound more natural and fluent, which is key in the OET Speaking test. Proper use of idioms can showcase your ability to communicate effectively in real-world healthcare scenarios.
Can using idioms improve my OET Speaking score?
Yes, idioms can improve your score by demonstrating fluency and natural communication skills. However, it’s essential to use them appropriately and in the right context to avoid sounding unnatural or forced.
Do I need to use idioms to pass the OET Speaking test?
No, idioms aren’t necessary to pass but they can add a layer of fluency and professionalism if used correctly. Focus on clear communication first and then use idioms when appropriate.
How do I practice idioms for OET Speaking?
Practice using idioms in OET speaking scenarios, especially in healthcare settings. Role play with a study partner or teacher to get idioms to flow into your conversation.
What if I use an idiom incorrectly in the test?
Using an idiom incorrectly can confuse the listener and affect clarity. Don’t use idioms unless you know what they mean and how to use them.
Are idioms different in British and Australian English which the OET is based on?
While many idioms are the same across English dialects, there are some differences. Stick to common idioms that are widely understood especially in healthcare contexts.
Where can I learn more about idioms for OET Speaking?
Learn more about using idioms for OET Speaking through Entri’s OET course. Their resources will guide you on how to improve your fluency and use idioms effectively in your OET Speaking test.
