IELTS Vocabulary Part – 131

Solipsism – The philosophical theory that only the self-existence is known and all that exists

Sentence – Criticisms of solipsism should therefore count as criticisms of the weak-kneed scepticism embodied in foundationalism.

Travesty – Distorting facts or imitation

Sentence – The trial was a travesty of justice.

Ubiquitous – Omnipresent or existing everywhere

Sentence – Apple is working to make Siri a little more ubiquitous, and to that end, is finally opening Siri up to third-party devices.

Vicissitude – An unwelcome or unpleasant change in circumstances or fortune

Sentence – He experienced several great social vicissitudes in his life.

Vociferous – Something or someone who is offensively/conspicuously loud

Sentence – He was vociferous in his support of the proposal.

I wouldn’t put it Past (Someone): I think it’s quite possible that [this person] would do this.

Sentence – It seems a bit far-fetched that the government is spying on us with our own appliances, but I wouldn’t put it past them.

If It Had Been a Snake, It Would Have Bitten Me: It was very obvious, but I missed it.

Sentence – Come on, your watch is right here, Liz! If it was a snake, it would’ve bit you!

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It: If this description of you is accurate, accept it.

Sentence – I know you don’t like being called unreliable, but if the shoes fit, wear it.

I’m All Ears: You have my attention, so you should talk.

Sentence – Tell me about your first day at the new job—I’m all ears!

In a Fog: Confused, not mentally alert.

Sentence – I always feel like I’m in a fog when I take that medication. It’s like it’s hard for me to think.

In a Heartbeat: Immediately. This is especially used in hypothetical situations.

Sentence – Oh, I’d move in a heartbeat—I’m so sick of the cold winters in this region.

In a Jam: In need of help, in a difficult spot.

Sentence – I’m in a bit of a jam—I accidentally made plans with two different men tonight!

In a New York Minute: Very quickly.

Sentence – I’d quit my job in a New York minute if I ever won the lottery.

In a Nutshell: Expressed in a few words.

Sentence – I don’t want the long version—just tell me what your thesis is in a nutshell.

In a Pickle: In need of help, in a difficult spot.

Sentence – Boy, am I in a pickle—I accidentally made plans to meet with two different clients today.

In a Rut: Confined by routine, bored and seeking new experiences.

Sentence – I had so many ambitions when I first graduated from college, but now I feel like I’m in a rut.

In Broad Daylight: When something occurs in broad daylight, it means the event is clearly visible.

Sentence – The gangland feud is getting so bad that people are being shot in broad daylight.

In Clover: Benefiting from a positive financial situation.

Sentence – If only I could win the lottery, then I would be in clover, instead of working three jobs to pay my bills.

In for a Penny, In for a Pound: Committed to something even though the risks are increasing.

Sentence – We can’t turn in a half-finished report, so we need to stay up all night and get it done. In for a penny, as they say.

In Full Swing: When something, such as an event, gets into full swing, it is at its busiest or liveliest time.

Sentence – If you’re not coming home for Christmas, you need to tell Mom because her planning is already in full swing.