Modern school

Weather Idioms Related To Ice or Snow


tip of the iceberg – a hint or suggestion of a much larger problem or more complex hidden issue.

5888. 
      When she called in the accountant after finding an error in the bookkeeping, it was soon discovered that this was just the tip of the iceberg and that a large sum of money was missing from company funds.
      

to break the ice – do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation going in a strained situation or when strangers meet.

5888. 
      I always invite Freja to charity dinners as she’s great at breaking the ice.
      

42
snowed under – very busy, or overloaded with work or things to do.

23. 
    I really try to get home in time to eat with the family in the evening but I’m snowed under at work at the moment and rarely manage it more than once or twice a week. put on ice – to postpone for another time.
    

23. 
    We were making good progress with the project but it had to be put on ice when government funding dried up.
    

IELTS-Style Speaking Test Questions and Answers

Common weather vocabulary is highlighted in bold.

Part 1

5888. 
      What is the weather like in your country?
      

Our weather is very unpredictable. One minute it can be lovely sunshine, the next we’re experiencing a downpour. The UK is well-known for this.

23. 
    Do you like the weather in your country?
    

Yes and no. I get frustrated that we have so many rainy days but we do have

some glorious weather as well. When the sun comes out and there’s not a cloud in the sky, I couldn't be happier.

0. 
   Is the weather the same in all parts of your country?
   

There are some quite marked regional differences. I live in the south-west where it's mild but we get high precipitation. It’s drier in the east and they actually had a drought this summer. Further north, it’s very cold in winter and they get heavy snow.

0. 
   Are there any problems with the climate in your country?
   

We certainly seem to have experienced more violent storms and torrential rain in recent years. This has caused serious flooding in some places. A village near where I live had a flash flood this summer which washed away cars and a few buildings. People say global warming is to blame.

0. 
   Does the weather ever affect the way you feel?
   

Most definitely. I feel so much more cheerful and full of energy when it’s sunny, whatever season it is. Even a break in the weather on an overcast day lifts my spirits.