Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) speaking section means more than just correct grammar and pronunciation. If you want your responses to stand out and demonstrate a truly advanced English proficiency, weaving in the right idioms at the right moments can have a real impact on your score. At DET Practice Test, we’ve seen first-hand how mastering common idiomatic expressions-and using them authentically-can lift your answers from good to great.
Why Idioms Matter on the DET Speaking Section
Idioms are a sign of a higher command of English and signal to the examiners that you’re comfortable using language as a native or near-native speaker would. Here’s why including them can help:
- Lexical sophistication: Using idioms naturally shows you have a range of vocabulary.
- Fluency and coherence: Idioms make your responses sound conversational, smoother and more engaging.
- Naturalness: They reflect real-world communication and help ensure your English doesn’t sound robotic or too simple.
10 Essential Idioms for the DET Speaking Section
Below, we’ve chosen idioms that are useful, widely understood, and easy to use in a variety of DET speaking tasks-from describing situations to expressing opinions. Don’t just memorize them; practice using them in context for a genuine impact.
- Break the ice
- Meaning: To start a conversation when people first meet, especially in a group of strangers.
- Sample use: “When I joined a new club, I tried to break the ice by introducing myself and asking some fun questions.”
- Bite the bullet
- Meaning: To decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.
- Sample use: “I finally bit the bullet and started practicing speaking English every day, even though it was hard at first.”
- See eye to eye
- Meaning: To completely agree with someone.
- Sample use: “My friend and I don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect one another’s opinions.”
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
- Sample use: “I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about the surprise party, but I let the cat out of the bag.”
- Under the weather
- Meaning: To feel a little sick or unwell.
- Sample use: “I was under the weather last week and missed a day of preparation, but I got back on track quickly.”
- Cut corners
- Meaning: To do something the easiest or cheapest way, usually by sacrificing quality.
- Sample use: “You shouldn’t cut corners while preparing for an important exam like the DET.”
- Burn the midnight oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night.
- Sample use: “In the days before the test, I burned the midnight oil practicing my speaking answers.”
- On the same page
- Meaning: To agree about how something should be done, or have a shared understanding.
- Sample use: “Our teacher made sure we were all on the same page before starting the group activity.”
- Once in a blue moon
- Meaning: Very rarely.
- Sample use: “I only get nervous about speaking in public once in a blue moon. Normally, I’m pretty confident.”
- Beat around the bush
- Meaning: To avoid talking directly about what is important.
- Sample use: “I try not to beat around the bush when asked my opinion, even if it’s a sensitive subject.”
How to Practice and Use Idioms Effectively
Using idioms will only help your DET score if you use them naturally, with appropriate intonation and context. Here’s how we recommend you approach practicing and applying idioms for real test-day results:
- Understand the meaning: Never use idioms you don’t fully understand, as misuse can confuse the examiner.
- Fit the context: Only include an idiom if it fits the topic and makes sense in your answer. Forced use lowers your score.
- Use sparingly: Two or three idioms per answer is enough. Overuse sounds awkward.
- Combine with advanced vocabulary: Idioms are best when paired with a range of precise, formal, or topic-specific words.
- Practice aloud: Record and listen to yourself. This helps fine-tune your pronunciation, clarity, and delivery-keys for a high DET speaking score.
Sample DET Speaking Answer Using Idioms
Prompt: Describe a challenge you overcame and what you learned from it.
Sample response:
“A few months ago, I decided to improve my public speaking skills, which was a real challenge for me. At first, I felt under the weather every time I had to speak in front of the class, but I decided to bite the bullet. I burned the midnight oil practicing, and after a few presentations, I started to see eye to eye with my classmates who already felt comfortable on stage. This experience taught me that with enough effort, anyone can become confident.”
Notice how the idioms are scattered naturally, fit the context, and never sound forced or scripted.
Expert Tips for Boosting Your DET Speaking Score with Idioms
- Keep it natural: Use idioms only when they truly match your story or answer.
- Practice with feedback: Use full-length mock tests, such as on DET Practice Test, to get AI-powered feedback on your fluency, vocabulary, and use of idioms.
- Stay focused on clarity: Idioms are helpful, but clear pronunciation and logical flow are even more important on the DET.
- Expand beyond idioms: Learn a few formal phrases or topic-specific words to combine with idiomatic expressions for maximum impact.
Integrating Idioms into Your Mock Practice
If you’re serious about upping your DET game, the best approach is to integrate idiom practice into your daily routine. Use DET Practice Test’s section-wise and full-length mock tests to:
- Practice real speaking prompts and answers in a test-like environment.
- Review instant AI-driven feedback on the naturalness and sophistication of your language.
- Experiment with idioms in different answer types (opinion, description, anecdotes) until they start to feel natural.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your English, Impress the Examiners
Mastering these 10 idioms can uniquely position your answers at a higher skill level. But remember, examiners care most about clear, relevant communication. Get comfortable with a few idioms, use them in ways that honestly fit your stories, and combine this with consistent, integrated practice.
If you want structured, smart mock test preparation and instant feedback as you boost your DET speaking, visit DET Practice Test and start taking your practice (and your score) to the next level.
