Down and Outs – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

Using idioms effectively in IELTS Speaking can help you demonstrate a wide and natural vocabulary. One such idiom that describes a vulnerable group of people is “Down and Outs.”

What Does “Down and Outs” Mean?

Definition:
Down and outs refers to people who have no home, no money, and no job, often living on the streets or in very poor conditions. This phrase is used to describe homeless or destitute individuals.

Examples of “Down and Outs” in Sentences

• “My teacher is a warm-hearted person. She always helps down and outs who she met on the streets and hands out food to them.”
• “Local council should pay attention to down and outs such as creating more jobs for them to meet human basic needs”

When to Use “On a Knife Edge” in IELTS Speaking

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Talking about everyday topics and personal experiences.

Q: Do you like helping others?
A: Yes, I do. Sometimes when I see down and outs in my neighborhood, I try to offer small help like giving food or clothes. It’s important to support those who are less fortunate.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Cue Card: Describe a time when you helped someone.

You can use “down and outs” to describe the people you helped:
A: A few months ago, I helped some down and outs I saw near my workplace. They looked very hungry and cold, so I bought them food and warm clothes.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

More abstract questions related to society and opinions.

Q: What can governments do to help homeless people?
A: Governments should provide more support for down and outs, such as affordable housing, job training, and social services to help them get back on their feet.

Using the idiom “down and outs” appropriately in all three parts of the IELTS Speaking shows your ability to discuss personal experiences, describe specific situations, and express opinions on social issues, all great for boosting your lexical resource score!

Exercise: Understanding the Idiom

Choose the best meaning of “down and outs” in the sentence below:

“She’s always giving money to down and outs and anyone who begs in the street.”

A. She gives money to everyone she meets on the street.
B. She gives money to the government.
C. She gives money to poor people who have no home or job. 
D. She has no money left.

Correct Answer: C

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Practice

Describe a time when you helped someone.
Try to use the idiom “down and outs” in your response.

You should say:

• When it happened
• What the person looked like
• What you did to help them
• How you felt after helping

Sample Starter:

A few months ago, while walking home from work, I noticed a group of people who were clearly down and outs — they looked tired, worn out, and were sitting on the pavement with very few belongings. One man in particular caught my attention; he was wearing torn clothes and looked very hungry.

I decided to buy him some food and a warm jacket since the weather was getting colder. I also spoke to him briefly to understand his situation and offered information about a nearby shelter where he could get further assistance.

Helping him made me feel grateful for the things I have, and it reminded me how important it is to show kindness to people who are struggling. I realized that even small acts of compassion can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Using the idiom “down and outs” effectively in your IELTS Speaking answers helps you demonstrate empathy and social awareness, while also showcasing a wide and natural vocabulary. Whether in personal experiences, describing situations, or discussing societal issues, this idiom adds depth and fluency to your responses. Mastering such expressions is essential to achieve a higher band score, especially in the Lexical Resource criterion. 

If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also check: 

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• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+