When preparing for the IELTS exam, knowing a wide range of idiomatic expressions can significantly boost your score. One such useful expression is “go for broke.” In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and importance of this idiom in the context of the IELTS exam. We will also look into related phrases and provide examples to help you integrate this expression effectively into your English language skills.
Meaning and Pronunciation of “Go for Broke”
Definition and Pronunciation
Idiom: Go for Broke
Pronunciation: ɡəʊ fɔː brəʊk
Meaning: To risk everything in an attempt to achieve a significant victory or goal.
Synonyms and Related Phrases
Here are a few synonyms and related phrases for “go for broke”:
- Risk it all (verb phrase): To put everything on the line.
- All-in (adjective): Involving or risking everything.
- Leave no stone unturned (idiom): To do everything possible to achieve something.
- Take the plunge (idiom): To commit oneself to a course of action.
Example Sentences
- Risk it all: During the final minutes of the game, the underdog team decided to risk it all for the win.
- All-in: The poker player decided to go all-in on a pair of aces.
- Leave no stone unturned: To find a solution, she was willing to leave no stone unturned.
- Take the plunge: After years of hesitation, he finally decided to take the plunge and start his own business.
The Relevance of “Go for Broke” in IELTS
Importance in the Exam
Understanding and using idiomatic expressions like “go for broke” can add variety and complexity to your speech and writing, which are essential in achieving a high band score in the IELTS test. Examiners recognize and appreciate the correct use of idiomatic language as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the nuances of English.
Example in IELTS Writing
An essay question might ask:
“Discuss the pros and cons of taking significant risks in life. Use specific examples to support your arguments.”
In response, you might write:
“Taking significant risks often means going for broke, whether it’s investing in a start-up or moving to a new country without a guaranteed job. Going for broke can lead to tremendous success or complete failure, and thus, careful consideration is necessary.”
Example in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, you may be asked about ambitions:
“What are your ambitions for the future?”
You could say:
“In the future, I hope to start my own business. I’m aware that to succeed, I’ll need to go for broke and invest all my time and resources into building it.”
Practical Examples and Exercises
Elaborate Examples for Understanding
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Context: Starting a Business
- Sentence: She decided to go for broke and invest her entire savings in the new startup.
- Analysis: This sentence shows the idiom “go for broke” in a real-world context where someone is risking everything to achieve a big goal.
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Context: Sports
- Sentence: The team went for broke in the final quarter, pushing all players forward to score.
- Analysis: Here, the idiom is used in a sports context to illustrate a team taking significant risks to win.
Combining with Other Expressions
- Sentence: He decided to leave no stone unturned and ultimately go for broke to secure the contract.
- Analysis: This sentence combines two idioms to emphasize the thoroughness and risk involved in achieving a goal.
Related Idiomatic Expressions
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Burn the midnight oil:
- Meaning: Work late into the night.
- Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to meet the project deadline.
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Throw caution to the wind:
- Meaning: Act without worrying about risks.
- Example: The company decided to throw caution to the wind and launch the new product early.
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Make a leap of faith:
- Meaning: Make a commitment despite uncertainty.
- Example: Starting a business often involves taking a leap of faith.
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Put all your eggs in one basket:
- Meaning: Risk everything on a single venture.
- Example: It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket, but sometimes it pays off.
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Roll the dice:
- Meaning: Take a chance.
- Example: We decided to roll the dice and apply for the grant.
Conclusion
Using idioms like “go for broke” can significantly enhance your IELTS score by showing a more sophisticated grasp of the English language. This idiom is particularly useful in expressing ambitious efforts and risk-taking scenarios, which appear frequently in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS test. Practice incorporating this and other idiomatic expressions in your responses to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
Make sure to practice using idioms in various contexts to become comfortable with their meanings and applications. Good luck with your IELTS preparation, and remember, sometimes it’s worth it to go for broke!