IELTS Vocabulary
Borrow Trouble: Take needless risks, invite problems.
Sentence – That kid isn’t bullying you, so if you tattle on him to the teacher, you’re definitely borrowing trouble.
Bottom of the Barrel: Low-quality choices.
Sentence – Our washing machine broke down after just two months of use, but that’s what we get for buying the bottom of the barrel.
Boy Toy: A young man who is the lover of an older, often wealthier woman.
Sentence – Helen’s boy toy always comes over to her apartment because she refuses to set foot in his frat house on campus.
Boys will be Boys: A phrase of resignation used when boys get into trouble or are stereotypically reckless or rowdy.
Sentence – When my sons tracked mud all through the house, I had to remind myself that boys will be boys.
Break Out in A Cold Sweat: To perspire from fever or anxiety.
Sentence – Such a nightmare was enough to make even the most fearless security officer break out in a cold sweat.
Break a Leg: Good luck! This is used for a stage performer-or for anyone else who is about to give some kind of a performance, such as an important speech.
Sentence – A talented, but struggling actor is willing to go to any length to get a job – including “break a leg“… especially those of other actors.
Brainstorm: To generate many ideas quickly
Sentence – Come on in, we’re just brainstorming ideas for the next issue.
Break the Bank: Exhaust one’s financial resources.
Sentence – I would like to gather everyone somewhere warm and appealing to all ages and not break the bank in doing so.
Break the Ice: To get something started, particularly by means of a social introduction or conversation.
Sentence – I have to break the ice with a long pole before I can lower a bucket into water.
Break up/ Split up (With Somebody): End the relationship.
Sentence – Rubber bullets were used to break up the demonstration.
Bring Home the Bacon: Earn money for one’s family.
Sentence – Both Richard and Samantha got work to bring home the bacon for their children.
Bringing a Knife to a Gunfight: Underequipped or unprepared.
Sentence – Make sure you have researched your position thoroughly and comprehensively before the debate. You don’t want to bring a knife to a gunfight.
Brush under the Carpet: Attempt to temporarily conceal a problem or error.
Sentence – The senator has been accused of trying to sweep his former drug use under the carpet.
Bucket List: Things you want to see or do before you die.
Sentence – Sky-diving is the number-one thing on my bucket list.
Bull in a China Shop: A clumsy or tactless person.
Sentence – My son can be a bit of a bull in a china shop, so I’m worried about taking him to the museum. Surrounding him with valuables does not seem like a wise idea!
Bump in the Road: A temporary problem, a small setback.
Sentence – The project hit a bump in the road when Tom suddenly resigned, but I know we’ll be fine—we just need to redistribute his assignment and keep going.
Bundle Up: Put on lots of warm clothing.
Sentence – Don’t worry, I bundled up the picture frames before packing them in the box.
Burn one’s Bridges: Leave a job or a relationship on such bad terms that one does not stay in contact.
Sentence – I think you really burned your bridges when you announced you were quitting and proceeded to insult your boss in front of the whole staff.
