10 Unique Idioms to Make Your Primary School Composition Shine ✨

In composition exams, teachers read hundreds of scripts — so what makes one truly memorable?

Most students fall back on the same old idioms like “a piece of cake” or “once in a blue moon.” The problem is, these expressions have become so common that they no longer stand out in exam scripts.

If you’d like your child to impress their teacher and make their story stand out from the rest, they’ll need something different. Idioms are like secret ingredients that add flavour, colour, and creativity to a child’s writing. The right idiom, used at the right moment, can transform an ordinary sentence into one that shines.

Here are 10 fresh idioms your child can use in their compositions—easy to learn, fun to apply, and far less common in exam scripts!

👉 Meaning: To do something immediately, without hesitation.

✏️ Example: “When my friend asked me to play football, I agreed at the drop of a hat.”

👉 Meaning: To try something too difficult.

✏️ Example: “I realised I had bitten off more than I could chew when I promised to finish three projects in one week.”

👉 Meaning: Stuck in a situation with no easy choice.

✏️ Example: “I was caught between a rock and a hard place when both my best friends wanted me on their team.”

👉 Meaning: Energetic and lively.

✏️ Example: “The children were full of beans after eating ice cream.”

👉 Meaning: To join something popular.

✏️ Example: “When the new game came out, everyone quickly jumped on the bandwagon and played it.”

👉 Meaning: To give up.

✏️ Example: “I almost threw in the towel during the tough puzzle, but I kept trying.”

👉 Meaning: To start studying seriously.

✏️ Example: “After dinner, I went straight to my room to hit the books for the exam.”

👉 Meaning: Extremely eager to know something.

✏️ Example: “I was burning with curiosity to find out what was inside the mysterious box.”

👉 Meaning: At the very last moment, just before it is too late.

✏️ Example: “I finished my science project at the eleventh hour, but luckily it was on time.”

👉 Meaning: To feel a sudden chill of fear or horror.

✏️ Example: “My blood ran cold when I saw a shadow moving outside the window.”

Exclusive Bonus Idiom! ✨

We promised 10 idioms, but here’s an extra bonus one — because who doesn’t love having an extra tool in their writing toolkit? 😉

👉 Meaning: Extremely eager to know something.

✏️ Example: “I was burning with curiosity to find out what was inside the mysterious box.”

Using idioms in a composition is like adding colour to a black-and-white picture. They help a child show feelings, create drama, and capture attention in ways plain words cannot. But here’s the key—encourage your child not to overload their story with too many idioms.

When used wisely and naturally, just one or two well-placed idioms can make your child’s writing shine brighter than their classmates’! ✨

👉 Here’s something practical you can start today: pick two idioms from the list and practise writing a short story together with your child. It’s a simple way to build confidence, strengthen vocabulary and prepare them to wow their teachers in exams.