Have Chemistry - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

When it comes to IELTS Speaking, using idiomatic language can significantly enhance your band score, especially under the Lexical Resource criterion. One idiom that frequently appears in conversations about relationships and friendships is "have chemistry." In this post, you'll learn the meaning, usage, and how to naturally incorporate this idiom into your IELTS Speaking answers.

Definition of “Have Chemistry” Idiom

Idiom: Have Chemistry
Meaning:
To feel an instant emotional or physical connection with someone; to naturally get along or feel attracted to each other. It often refers to romantic or close platonic relationships.

This idiom is commonly used to describe situations where two people connect effortlessly and feel comfortable with each other, often without having to say much.

Examples of “Have Chemistry” in Sentences

Here are a few examples of how this idiom is used in real conversations or in the IELTS Speaking:

• “We had chemistry right away it felt like we’d known each other for years.”
• “I liked him, but there just wasn’t any chemistry.”
• “Although it was a blind date, they instantly had chemistry and talked for hours.”
• “Even during the group project, Sarah and I had great chemistry, we worked seamlessly together.”

When to Use “Have Chemistry” in IELTS Speaking

This idiom can be effectively used in:

• IELTS Speaking Part 1: Talking about friends, relationships, or first impressions.
• IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue cards involving people you admire, your best friend, a memorable meeting, etc.
• IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion about human relationships, online dating, friendships, or team dynamics.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answers Using “Have Chemistry”

Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer

Q: Do you think first impressions are important?
A: Yes, I do think they matter to some extent. Sometimes, you instantly have chemistry with someone and feel at ease. But there are also people who grow on you over time.

Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Sample

Describe your best friend. You should say:

• Who he or she is
• When you met him or her for the first time
• What he or she looks like
• And explain why he or she became your best friend

Sample Answer:

My best friend is Ayesha. We met in our first year of university during an orientation session. She was sitting alone, and I asked if I could join her. From the very first conversation, we had chemistry. It felt like we’d known each other forever.

Ayesha is petite, with curly black hair and a radiant smile. She's always dressed in soft colors and carries a very calming presence. We clicked instantly our sense of humor, interests, and even music taste matched. What made her my best friend wasn’t just the laughter or late-night talks, but the fact that she always stood by me through difficult times. We understand each other without needing too many words, which I think only happens when you truly have chemistry with someone.

Speaking Part 3 Sample Answer

Q: Why do some people become close friends quickly while others take longer?
A: It depends on personality and compatibility. Some people have chemistry instantly and feel connected from the first meeting, while others need time to build trust and understanding.

Exercise: Test Your Understanding

Fill in the blank with the correct idiom:

“At the first time I met her, I knew that we _________________.”

A. took a bow
B. throwing money down the drain
C. hit and run
D. had chemistry

Correct Answer: D. had chemistry

Related Idioms for IELTS Speaking

If you’re looking to enrich your vocabulary for higher IELTS Speaking scores, here are some idioms related to relationships and interactions: