Don't Memorize "Raining Cats and Dogs": Better Alternatives for IELTS

Many IELTS candidates think 'raining cats and dogs' will boost their score, but overuse makes it sound unnatural and unoriginal to examiners. This page offers better alternatives, perfect for lifting your Lexical Resource score in IELTS Speaking Part 3 and adding a mature register to Writing Task 2. You will learn to use sophisticated idioms and proverbs that truly impress. This will help you achieve a higher band score by sounding more natural and impressive to the examiner.

• Cry over spilt milk

  To express regret or distress over a past event that cannot be changed or undone.

  There's no point crying over spilt milk; we just need to learn from our mistakes and move forward.

• Easier Said Than Done

  It is often more difficult to accomplish something than it is to talk about doing it.

  He had a grand plan to renovate the entire house in a weekend, but as his wife pointed out, that's often easier said than done.

• Every cloud has a silver lining

  Even difficult or unpleasant situations have some positive aspect.

  Losing my job was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining, and I found a role I truly love.

• Kill two birds with one stone

  To achieve two objectives or solve two problems with a single action or effort.

  By taking the express train, she could kill two birds with one stone: arrive at the meeting on time and finish her presentation during the commute.

• Leave no stone unturned

  To make every possible effort and investigate every possibility in order to achieve a goal or find something.

  The detective promised the family he would leave no stone unturned in finding the missing child.