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    GMAT Idioms List: Common Idioms to Ace Your GMAT Preparation

    The GMAT Focus Edition has been put in place to measure certain skills needed for success in business school, with an emphasis on critical thinking and verbal reasoning.  As the GMAT has shifted its structure to focus on a more streamlined format, it's essential to understand the latest syllabus and how it impacts your preparation. 

    Join us in having an in-depth look at the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, the role of idioms in the exam, and how to master them effectively.

    GMAT Verbal Reasoning Overview

    The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to comprehend written material, assess arguments, and apply your understanding in a structured way. It consists of 23 questions and is allotted 45 minutes. 

    The section is divided into two main types of questions:

    Reading Comprehension (RC)

    About 12-13 questions are based on 3-4 passages, assessing your ability to understand main ideas, details, and inferences.

    These passages span a range of topics such as business, social sciences, and humanities. The goal is to assess your ability to understand main ideas, details, and inferences. You’ll be asked to determine the meaning of words in context, analyse the structure of the passage, and apply information to answer questions correctly.

    Critical Reasoning (CR)

    Around 9-11 questions test your ability to evaluate arguments, spot logical flaws, and make well-reasoned decisions.

    The questions focus on the logic of the arguments, such as identifying assumptions, strengthening or weakening conclusions, and spotting logical fallacies. The key skills tested are your ability to assess the structure of reasoning and make conclusions based on the argument's strengths or flaws.
    This section evaluates both your understanding of written information and your ability to analyse and critique arguments, all of which are essential.

    With expert-guided practice sessions, real-time feedback, and an array of interactive tools, Yocket Prep ensures you attempt the GMAT with ease.

    What are Idioms?

    Idioms are expressions whose meanings aren't immediately clear from the literal definitions of their words. They are frequently used in both Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning passages to convey nuanced ideas. For instance, phrases like "on account of" or "in terms of" carry specific meanings that you must understand to interpret arguments and passages correctly. A solid grasp of idioms will help you navigate complex sentence structures and identify the correct meaning of the text.

    How are Idioms Tested on the GMAT?

    While idioms are not tested directly as standalone questions, they appear frequently in Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning sections. In RC, idioms are used to convey specific meanings in passages. In CR, idioms can form part of the argument being assessed.

    Understanding idiomatic expressions is critical for accurately interpreting both passages and arguments, as an incorrect interpretation could lead to errors in answering the questions.

    GMAT Idioms List

    To help with preparation, here’s a list of commonly tested GMAT idioms, along with their definitions and examples of how they might appear in the exam:

    Idioms

    Definition

    Example

    As a matter of fact

    Actually, in fact.

    "As a matter of fact, she was the first to submit the report."

    At odds with

    In disagreement with.

    "The board is at odds with the CEO about the company's future."

    Be in charge of

    To be responsible for something.

    "He is in charge of the marketing team at the company."

    Due to

    Because of.

    "The event was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances."

    For the sake of

    In order to help or benefit something.

    "She sacrificed her vacation for the sake of the business."

    In light of

    Considering, because of.

    "In light of the recent feedback, we’ll revise our strategy."

    In terms of

    With respect to, regarding.

    "In terms of revenue, the company has shown impressive growth."

    In the long run

    Over an extended period of time.

    "Training employees might be costly, but it’s worth it in the long run."

    On the verge of

    Close to, about to happen.

    "They were on the verge of closing the deal when the market crashed."

    On behalf of

    Representing someone or something.

    "I am speaking on behalf of the entire team regarding the project."

    Out of the question

    Not possible.

    "Taking on another project right now is out of the question."

    With regard to

    Concerning, with respect to.

    "With regard to the budget, we need to make some cuts."

    At the expense of

    Sacrificing something for the benefit of something else.

    "He gained success at the expense of his health."

    In the meantime

    During the time between two events.

    "The project is delayed, but in the meantime, we will review the plan."

    By means of

    Using, through.

    "We gathered data by means of an online survey."

    To some extent

    Partially, to a certain degree.

    "The new policy has worked, to some extent."

    In place of

    As a substitute for.

    "He decided to use digital marketing in place of traditional advertising."

    In accordance with

    In agreement with.

    "The policy was implemented in accordance with the guidelines."

    In contrast to

    Differently from, in opposition to.

    "In contrast to last year, this year's profits have been outstanding."

    In addition to

    Along with, also.

    "In addition to our regular duties, we also have to meet deadlines."

    In the event of

    If something happens.

    "In the event of an emergency, follow the evacuation protocol."

    On top of

    In addition to, besides.

    "On top of the regular meetings, we must plan for the new launch."

    Out of the blue

    Unexpectedly, without warning.

    "He arrived out of the blue and surprised everyone."

    Behind the scenes

    Secretly, without public knowledge.

    "The negotiations were happening behind the scenes for months."

    For the time being

    Temporarily.

    "For the time being, we’ll continue working remotely."

    At the moment

    Currently, right now.

    "At the moment, we don’t have the data we need."

    On the contrary

    In contrast, the opposite.

    "It’s not easy, on the contrary, it’s very challenging."

    In any case

    Regardless, anyway.

    "In any case, we need to finish this by tomorrow."

    In the course of

    During, while something is happening.

    "In the course of the meeting, new ideas were introduced."

    With a view to

    Intending, aiming for.

    "The changes were made with a view to improving customer satisfaction."

    By all means

    Absolutely, certainly.

    "By all means, feel free to contact me if you have questions."

    In the face of

    Despite, in opposition to.

    "In the face of challenges, they maintained their position."

    In light of

    Considering, in view of.

    "In light of the current situation, we’ll delay the project."

    On the grounds of

    Based on, due to.

    "She was dismissed on the grounds of misconduct."

    In favour of

    Supporting, approving.

    "The majority voted in favour of the new plan."

    In the event that

    If something happens.

    "In the event that we miss the deadline, we’ll negotiate an extension."

    In terms of

    Concerning, with respect to.

    "In terms of efficiency, this system is a great improvement."

    Under the circumstances

    Considering the current situation.

    "Under the circumstances, we’ll need to reschedule the meeting."

    In light of

    Considering, due to.

    "In light of the recent issues, we will reassess our strategy."

    On the grounds of

    Based on, due to.

    "She was dismissed on the grounds of misconduct."

    In favour of

    Supporting, preferring.

    "I am in favour of your suggestion for the new policy."

    In line with

    In agreement with, conforming to.

    "The new design is in line with the latest market trends."

    At risk of

    In danger of.

    "The company is at risk of losing its competitive edge."

    On the lookout for

    Searching for, looking out for.

    "The team is on the lookout for new market opportunities."

    In place of

    As a replacement for.

    "We used a different supplier in place of the previous one."

    In the interest of

    For the benefit of.

    "In the interest of transparency, the report was made public."

    Out of the question

    Not possible, unacceptable.

    "A salary increase is out of the question right now."

    On the spot

    Immediately, without delay.

    "The manager made the decision on the spot."

    As far as

    To the extent of.

    "As far as the budget is concerned, we are within limits."

    In tune with

    In harmony with, in agreement with.

    "The company’s policies are in tune with the latest regulations."

    On the verge of

    Close to happening.

    "We are on the verge of signing the new deal."

    In case of

    If something happens.

    "In case of fire, use the stairs, not the elevator."

    At the expense of

    Sacrificing something for the benefit of something else.

    "The team increased sales at the expense of quality."

    Out of hand

    Uncontrolled, not manageable.

    "The situation got out of hand very quickly."

    In favour of

    Supporting, preferring.

    "The committee voted in favour of the new changes."

    In keeping with

    Consistent with, in line with.

    "The design of the new logo is in keeping with the brand’s image."

    How to Learn Idioms for GMAT? 

    To effectively learn and use idioms for the GMAT, here are some strategies:

    • Flashcards: Create flashcards with idioms and their meanings to facilitate quick recall.
    • Contextual Learning: Practice identifying idioms in passages, paying attention to their context to better understand their meanings.
    • Mock Tests: Take GMAT-style practice tests to expose yourself to idioms used in questions, which will help you become familiar with their usage.
    • Active Practice: Write sentences using idioms to enhance understanding and reinforce memory.
    • Use Online Resources: Take advantage of GMAT-focused idiom lists and other tools available on websites and mobile apps.

    From the Desk of Yocket

    GMAT Verbal Reasoning tests your ability to comprehend and analyse written material, focusing on key aspects such as main ideas, logical relationships, and argument evaluation. Idioms play a critical role in both RC and CR, and mastering them will enhance your performance by allowing you to understand passages and arguments with greater clarity.

    To effectively prepare, consider using Yocket Prep, flashcards, practicing with mock tests, and focusing on contextual learning to truly master idioms. These strategies will help you perform confidently in the Verbal Reasoning section.  

    Frequently Asked Questions about Idioms and Phrases For GMAT

    Are idioms important for the GMAT exam?

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    How to memorise idioms for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section? 

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    What are the types of questions asked in the Verbal Reasoning section? 

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    Is the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section hard? 

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    How to improve English language skills for the GMAT? 

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