1) Raining cats and dogsSpeaking Example: People say it’s always raining cats and dogs in London, but the weather isn’t too bad. Writing Example: Moving overseas can be challenging. When it’s raining cats and dogs outside – people could feel more homesick due to the weather. 2) The grass isn’t always greener on the other sideSpeaking Example: Nowadays, with social media we see lots of wealth, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Writing Example: Changing jobs or having two jobs can be arduous. Sometimes people have one job, but a person with two jobs could have a better life. We may think something about someone due to their job, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. 3) Best of both worldsSpeaking Example: When I travel to some places they have all the same things back home. This gives people the best of both worlds, as you can experience a new culture, but also enjoy familiar things you have in your own country. Writing Example: Technology nowadays gives us the best of both worlds, as we can live without it if we choose to do so or we can immerse ourselves using it as part of our daily lives. 4) Blessing in disguiseSpeaking Example: I would like to discuss a time when I got lost when I visited China. I actually stumbled across an ancient temple and really beautiful forest. I realised that getting lost was actually a blessing in disguise. Writing Example: Technology can be a blessing in disguise for some people, but also a bad thing, as it could be used in an improper way. 5) Don’t put all your eggs in one basketSpeaking Example: If I need to give someone the best possible advice. It would be to not put all your eggs in one basket. Writing Example: It’s essential the government doesn’t put its eggs all in one basket when it comes to climate change, as it will require many different aspects to make the world a cleaner place. 6) Far cry fromSpeaking Example: When I visited China. The first thing I thought was that it was a far cry from my hometown, but that’s what it made so special. Writing Example: We are a far cry from solving freedom of speech using social media, but we are slowly progressing.7) In the heat of the momentSpeaking Example: Some important advice given to me was that to not make a decision in the heat of the moment, especially when it comes to money. Writing Example: We need a drastic improvement when it comes to the environment rather than changing or reacting in the heat of the moment. The government needs a better strategy altogether. 8) Make a long story shortSpeaking Example: To cut a long story short/to make a long story short I will not discuss the full details, but I would like to tell about my wedding day. It was the best day of my life because…. Writing Example: Talent is born within some people, but to make a long story short – there are indeed some people who are not very talented in some respects. For example, I am really not good at drawing. While both my siblings are both artists. 9) Kill two birds with one stoneSpeaking Example: When I went on holiday we decided to kill two birds with one stone and go to Dubai, as my uncle lives there and he really wanted me to visit. Writing Example: To improve technology all over the world and the safety. Technological companies need to kill two birds with one stone to come up with a safer way to use technology without all the negative issues we face today – for example – hacking. 10) Last strawSpeaking Example: The story I would like to talk about is when I was lost. I lost my way in the forest and for me I thought it was the last straw, but luckily I found a friendly cabin owner who helped me find my way back home. Writing Example: Social media has evolved, but for some people the new developments have been the last straw. Meaning they have stopped using certain websites altogether. Sign up to our course of more tips & technique on how to get a band 7! All our courses now come with a FREE Trial. Desktop/Tablet Users - sign up here. Mobile Users - sign up here