Keep One’s Feet on the Ground – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can make your speech sound more fluent and expressive. The idiom “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground” is perfect for describing someone who is sensible, realistic, and not easily carried away by success or imagination. This blog explains its meaning, provides examples, exercises, and a sample IELTS Speaking answer to help you use it confidently and boost your score.

Meaning of Keep One’s Feet on the Ground

• Definition: Be sensitive and realistic; not do foolish, rash, or dangerous things.
• Synonyms: Have both/one’s feet on the ground.
• Example Explanation: When someone keeps their feet on the ground, they remain practical, humble, and focused even in challenging or exciting situations.
• Examples of “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground”
  • Despite unexpected success and fame at an early age, she managed to keep her feet on the ground and remained utterly devoted to her acting career.
  • Jack had better keep his feet on the ground and get a job rather than fantasize about rising to stardom all day.
  • It is the best time for us to expand our business scale and market, yet we still have to keep our feet on the ground.

Usage of “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground” in IELTS Speaking

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in the IELTS Speaking: 

• “Even after winning the competition, she kept her feet on the ground and continued practicing hard.”
• “Entrepreneurs need to keep their feet on the ground while planning large-scale investments.”
• “Despite his popularity, he kept his feet on the ground and stayed humble.”

Pro Tip: Use this idiom naturally when describing sensible people, cautious behavior, or practical approaches in IELTS Speaking Part 1, IELTS Speaking Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a Person You Admire
I admire my cousin Sarah, who has always been very successful academically and socially. Despite achieving high grades and being well-liked among her peers, she always keeps her feet on the ground. She never brags about her accomplishments and is always willing to help others. Even when offered opportunities to join exclusive clubs or attend glamorous events, she evaluates them carefully and chooses what aligns with her long-term goals. I admire her sense of responsibility and realistic approach, which inspires me to stay humble and focused.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Meaning
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground” in each sentence:

1. Despite his wealth, he keeps his feet on the ground.
   a) Acts foolishly
   b) Remains humble and practical
   c) Takes unnecessary risks
2. She kept her feet on the ground while starting a new business.
   a) Remained sensible and realistic
   b) Made rash decisions
   c) Ignored advice
3. Even after fame, he kept his feet on the ground.
   a) Stayed practical and sensible
   b) Became arrogant
   c) Ignored reality
4. Entrepreneurs must keep their feet on the ground while planning investments.
   a) Remain cautious and realistic
   b) Take reckless risks
   c) Focus only on imagination
5. My friend kept her feet on the ground despite sudden success.
   a) Stayed humble and responsible
   b) Became careless
   c) Ignored reality

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the idiom “keep one’s feet on the ground”:

1. Even after winning the scholarship, she always ___________________.
2. Investors should ___________________ while making risky decisions.
3. Despite achieving fame, he manages to ___________________.
4. It is important to ___________________ when starting a new business.
5. Teachers advise students to ___________________ and focus on studies.

Answers

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. b) Remains humble and practical
2. a) Remained sensible and realistic
3. a) Stayed practical and sensible
4. a) Remain cautious and realistic
5. a) Stayed humble and responsible

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. keep her feet on the ground
2. keep their feet on the ground
3. keep his feet on the ground
4. keep one’s feet on the ground
5. keep their feet on the ground

The idiom “Keep One’s Feet on the Ground” is a useful expression for describing practical, realistic, and sensible people or approaches. Using it naturally in IELTS Speaking and Writing can improve your vocabulary score and make your responses more effective. Practice with the examples, exercises, and sample answer provided to confidently include it in your speaking and writing. 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: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+