What are some common idioms and phrases that appear on the TOEFL exam?

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Syntactica Sophia
a year ago

The TOEFL exam is a widely recognized English language proficiency test used by universities, colleges, and businesses around the world. It assesses the test-taker's ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. One aspect of the TOEFL exam that can be particularly challenging is the use of idioms and phrases.

Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the individual words that make them up. Instead, idioms are understood as a whole, and their meanings are often figurative or metaphorical. Familiarity with common idioms and phrases can help test-takers to better understand and interpret the reading and listening passages on the exam.

Some common idioms and phrases that appear on the TOEFL exam include:

  • Beat around the bush: To avoid discussing a topic directly.
  • Bite off more than you can chew: To take on more than one can handle.
  • By the skin of one's teeth: To barely succeed.
  • Get cold feet: To become nervous or hesitant about something.
  • Hit the nail on the head: To identify something accurately.
  • In hot water: In trouble or difficulty.
  • Miss the boat: To miss an opportunity.
  • On the same page: To be in agreement.
  • Piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do.
  • Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.