When studying for the IELTS exam, understanding and using English idioms correctly can give you a significant advantage. One idiom that frequently appears in conversation and writing is “kick the habit.” In this article, we will explore this idiom in detail, examine its usage in different contexts, and provide practical examples for IELTS candidates.

What Does “Kick the Habit” Mean?

The idiom “kick the habit” (verb phrase) means to give up a bad habit or addiction, typically something that is difficult to stop, such as smoking, drinking, or biting nails.

Pronunciation: /kɪk ðə ˈhæbɪt/

Related Synonyms:

• Give up (phr.v)
• Quit (v)
• Break the habit (phr.v)
• Overcome (v)
• Renounce (v)
• Abstain from (phr.v)
• Cease (v)
• Give up the ghost (idiom)

Examples and Usage:

1. After many failed attempts, she finally managed to kick the habit of smoking.
2. He decided to kick the habit of drinking sugary drinks every day.
3. If you want to lead a healthier lifestyle, you need to kick the habit of eating junk food.
4. Lisa found it hard to kick the habit of biting her nails during exams.
5. It’s never easy to kick the habit, but with determination and support, it’s possible.

Frequency in IELTS

The phrase “kick the habit” is commonly used in conversational English, which can appear in the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam. This idiom can help demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and understanding of common English expressions. Using idioms like this can make your speech and writing more engaging and effective.

Analyzing IELTS Sample Tasks

IELTS Speaking Task:

Imagine you’re asked to describe a change you made to improve your health. You can incorporate the idiom “kick the habit” as follows:

Question: Describe a change you made to improve your health.

Sample Answer:
“Last year, I decided to kick the habit of eating fast food every day. It was challenging at first, but I replaced junk food with healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables. This change significantly improved my energy levels and overall health.”

IELTS Writing Task 2:

Question: Some people believe that bad habits are difficult to break. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide examples from your own experience.

Sample Answer:
“I strongly agree that bad habits are difficult to break. For instance, I used to smoke heavily, and it took several attempts before I could kick the habit. The support from my family and friends played a crucial role in helping me overcome this addiction.”

Breaking the Habit

Combining “Kick the Habit” with Other Words

Using idioms in combination with other words can enhance your vocabulary richness. Here are some sentences combining “kick the habit” with different structures:

1. Adjectives: Determined to kick the unhealthy habit of late-night snacking, John set a strict bedtime routine.
2. Nouns: Jane’s support group helps participants kick the habit of substance abuse.
3. Prepositions: By attending weekly therapy sessions, he was able to kick the habit of gambling.
4. Adverbial Clauses: Though it was difficult, he finally kicked the habit after realizing its detrimental effects on his health.
5. Comparative Structures: It’s often harder to kick the habit of smoking than to give up caffeine.

Related Idioms and Phrases

To enhance your understanding and usage of this idiom, here are some other related idioms and their uses:

1. Give up the ghost – To quit or stop doing something.
   • Example: “After years of trying to learn the piano, he finally gave up the ghost.”
2. Break the habit – To stop a habitual behavior.
   • Example: “Despite her efforts, Maria couldn’t break the habit of checking her phone frequently.”
3. Cold turkey – To stop a habit abruptly and entirely.
   • Example: “He stopped drinking coffee cold turkey, which resulted in severe headaches for a few days.”
4. Wean off – Gradually reduce the dependence on something.
   • Example: “She weaned herself off sugary drinks by drinking water instead.”
5. Nip in the bud – To stop something before it becomes a problem.
   • Example: “It’s best to nip bad habits in the bud before they become harder to bring under control.”

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using idioms like “kick the habit” can significantly improve your IELTS performance, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. By incorporating such expressions naturally and effectively, you demonstrate a higher level of fluency and comprehension. To practice, consider writing essays or speaking responses where you can use this idiom and related phrases. Keep exploring and expanding your vocabulary to boost your IELTS band score.

For more idioms frequently used in the IELTS exam, check out Common IELTS Idioms or read about how establishing a daily routine can help with IELTS preparation at Morning Routine for IELTS.

Stay diligent in your studies and persistent in your practice, and kicking the habit of not using idioms will soon become a thing of the past.