The phrase “raise eyebrows” is often encountered in English-language contexts, and it can be particularly useful for IELTS candidates aiming to enhance their vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. In this post, we will delve into the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of the phrase “raise eyebrows,” and provide some related vocabulary. We will also examine its frequency in the IELTS exam and demonstrate how to incorporate it effectively in your writing and speaking tasks.
Keywords and Related Vocabulary
- Raise eyebrows (v) /reɪz ‘aɪbraʊz/: To cause surprise or shock. e.g., “Her decision to quit her job raised many eyebrows.”
- Surprised (adj) /səˈpraɪzd/: Feeling or showing surprise. e.g., “She looked surprised when she saw him.”
- Shocked (adj) /ʃɒkt/: Very surprised and upset. e.g., “I was shocked by the news of his departure.”
- Astonish (v) /ə’stɒnɪʃ/: To surprise someone very much. e.g., “Her quick recovery astonished the doctors.”
- Incredulous (adj) /ɪn’kredjʊləs/: Unwilling or unable to believe something. e.g., “He was incredulous when he heard the story.”
- Stun (v) /stʌn/: To shock or surprise somebody very much. e.g., “The announcement stunned everyone.”
- Amazed (adj) /ə’meɪzd/: Extremely surprised. e.g., “I was amazed at how quickly she recovered.”
- Bewildered (adj) /bɪ’wɪldəd/: Confused and very surprised. e.g., “He was bewildered by the sudden change in her attitude.”
- Jaw-dropping (adj) /’dʒɔː ‘drɒpɪŋ/: Extremely surprising. e.g., “His performance was jaw-dropping.”
- Taken aback (adj) /teɪkən ə’bæk/: Surprised and confused. e.g., “She was taken aback by his directness.”
What Does “Raise Eyebrows” Mean and How Is It Pronounced?
The phrase “raise eyebrows” is commonly used to describe a situation or action that causes surprise, shock, or disbelief. Pronunciation: /reɪz ‘aɪbraʊz/.
Example Sentences
- Her out-of-the-blue resignation raised eyebrows at the office.
- The company’s decision to shut down raised eyebrows among its employees.
- Their controversial advertisement campaign raised several eyebrows in the community.
- His strange behavior raised eyebrows among his friends.
- The politician’s remarks raised eyebrows and sparked widespread debate.
Frequency of “Raise Eyebrows” in IELTS
The phrase “raise eyebrows” can appear in various sections of the IELTS exam, especially in Writing and Speaking. It adds nuance and sophistication to your language use, thereby impressing the examiner. Understanding the idiomatic expressions and integrating them appropriately can be particularly beneficial during the IELTS Speaking test, as they reflect a higher level of linguistic competence.
Example in IELTS Writing Task 2
You might be asked to discuss a topic that requires the use of expressions indicating surprise or controversy. For instance:
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement that implementing a higher tax on sugary drinks will effectively reduce obesity rates?
Sample Answer:
Introducing a higher tax on sugary drinks may indeed reduce consumption; however, the effectiveness of this measure is debatable. Previous initiatives of this nature have often raised eyebrows due to their limited scope and lack of long-term impact.
Example in IELTS Speaking
Question: Describe a time you were surprised by someone’s actions.
Sample Answer:
Last year, my close friend decided to quit her high-paying job to travel the world and work as a freelance photographer. Her decision certainly raised eyebrows among our friends and family because it was so unexpected; however, she felt that it was the best choice for her personal growth.
Other Use Cases of “Raise Eyebrows” with Context
Incorporating the phrase “raise eyebrows” in different contexts can enhance your language versatility. Here are some examples:
For IELTS Reading
In a passage discussing a controversial scientific discovery:
The announcement that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe for widespread use has raised eyebrows among skeptics who question the long-term implications of the technology.
For IELTS Listening
During a lecture on environmental policies:
The decision to cut funding for renewable energy projects raised eyebrows in the scientific community, with many experts criticizing the move as short-sighted.
Idioms and Phrases Related to “Raise Eyebrows”
- Blow someone’s mind: To overwhelm someone with surprise or shock.
- “Her creativity blows my mind every time.”
- Turn heads: To attract a lot of attention.
- “The new policy turned heads in the industry.”
- Catch Someone Off Guard: To surprise someone.
- “His sudden question caught me off guard.”
- Take by storm: To captivate completely.
- “The new product took the market by storm.”
- Rock the boat: To cause trouble where none is welcome.
- “His unpopular opinions often rock the boat during meetings.”
- Drop a bombshell: To reveal shocking news.
- “The CEO dropped a bombshell during the press conference.”
- Taken aback: To be surprised or shocked.
- “I was taken aback by his rude response.”
- Throw for a loop: To surprise or shock someone.
- “The sudden change in plans threw me for a loop.”
- Out of the blue: Something unexpected.
- “Her resignation came out of the blue.”
- Blow out of the water: To defeat or surpass completely.
- “Her presentation blew the competition out of the water.”
Person Expressing Surprise
Conclusion
Incorporating idiomatic expressions like “raise eyebrows” can significantly enrich your IELTS writing and speaking responses. Remember, the key to mastering such expressions lies in understanding their meaning, practicing their usage, and integrating them naturally into your language. Make sure to review related idioms and phrases, as they can provide additional flexibility and depth to your vocabulary.
To further expand your idiomatic vocabulary, consider reading up on other related expressions such as “take it with a pinch of salt” and “use of it amalgamates that.”
Practice these new phrases regularly, and you’ll be well-equipped to surprise your IELTS examiner—in a good way!
We hope this guide helps you in your preparation. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or explore more on our website. Happy studying!