The Dos and Don’ts of Using Idioms in Academic Writing

Idioms are everywhere in spoken English, but in academic writing, they can cause confusion. Should you use them at all? Or avoid them completely?

If you’re an ESL student or just trying to sound more fluent in essays, idioms might feel like a shortcut to sounding natural. However, they are not always suitable for formal writing. The wrong expression can make your paper feel sloppy or unclear.

Whether you’re working on an essay or trying to do my PowerPoint presentation for class, this guide will help you understand when idioms work in academic writing.

Why Do Writers Use Idioms?

Idioms are like the flavor of a language. They can make your English sound smooth, expressive, and confident. That’s why many students want to include idioms in their essays or presentations.

Writers often turn to idioms to show creativity, emotion, or tone. A well-placed idiom can make an idea more memorable or show your comfort with the language. In informal or personal writing, idioms help you connect with the reader in a natural way.

But idioms can also backfire. In academic writing, clarity and precision matter most. Some idioms are too casual. Others don’t translate well or confuse the meaning. If you’re not 100% sure what the idiom means, it’s better to leave it out.

The Pros and Cons of Idioms in Academic Writing

Idioms can add style and fluency to your writing, but they also carry risks, especially in academic settings.

Pros

• Can make personal essays and reflections feel more natural
• Show a strong grasp of English vocabulary and fluency
• Add color or imagery when used in moderation
• May help engage readers if the tone allows it

Cons

• Often sound too informal for academic work
• Risk of confusion if the idiom is unfamiliar or culturally specific
• Can weaken clarity, especially in arguments or explanations
• May be seen as filler or cliché if not well integrated

Dos of Using Idioms in Academic Writing

Using idioms in academic writing isn’t always wrong. It just requires thought. If you’re writing a personal statement, a reflective essay, or a creative assignment, the right idiom can enhance your voice. But even in those cases, there are smart ways to use them that don’t confuse or distract. For students still learning idioms, it’s even more important to focus on clarity and tone. Here’s how to do it right.

Choose familiar, widely understood idioms

Stick to idioms that most English speakers will recognize. Expressions like “a double-edged sword” or “the tip of the iceberg” are safer choices than obscure regional phrases. Familiar idioms are more likely to be understood by your professors, readers, or reviewers without needing extra explanation.

Use idioms sparingly

A well-placed idiom adds flavor. Five idioms in one essay sounds like you’re trying too hard. Limit yourself to one or two idioms per piece of writing to keep your tone balanced and your message clear.

Make sure the idiom fits the topic

Only use idioms when they genuinely support your argument or theme. If you’re discussing the complexity of a policy, “a double-edged sword” might work. But adding “spill the beans” in a research paper just feels out of place.

Paraphrase when needed for clarity

If you’re worried that an idiom might confuse your reader, rephrase or explain it. You might write: “This solution is a double-edged sword. It helps in one way but causes problems in another.” That way, you keep the idiom and stay clear.

Revise your writing with idioms in mind

After completing your first draft, review any idioms you included. Consider whether they provide real value or simply occupy space. Reading aloud can also help you hear if the phrase fits the tone or feels awkward.

Don’ts of Using Idioms in Academic Writing

Even if you feel confident using idioms in conversation, writing is a different story. In formal assignments, the wrong idiom or the right one in the wrong place can weaken your credibility or confuse your reader. Here’s what to avoid when working idioms into your academic writing.

Don’t use idioms you just learned from a list

If you found an idiom online and thought it sounded clever, double-check its meaning, tone, and usage. Many idioms are deeply cultural or have subtle nuances. Misusing one can make your writing feel awkward or even nonsensical.

Don’t overload your writing with idioms

Idioms lose their effect when overused. Too many in a single piece can distract from your argument and make your writing feel more like a blog post than a serious paper.

Don’t use overly casual or slangy expressions

Avoid idioms that sound too informal, like “hang in there” or “give it a shot.” These might be fine in speech, but they don’t work in a research paper or formal essay. Academic writing still needs a polished tone.

Don’t rely on idioms to make weak points sound stronger

Throwing in a clever phrase won’t fix a vague argument or missing evidence. If your point doesn’t hold up on its own, no idiom will save it. Focus on clear logic and support before thinking about style.

Don’t mix or invent idioms

Saying things like “let’s not beat a dead fish” or “the ball’s in your lane” may sound fun, but mixed metaphors make readers stop and question your meaning. Stick to real, established phrases or, better yet, use precise, direct language instead.

Common Idioms to Use in Essays

Some idioms are too casual or confusing for academic writing. But others are so widely accepted that they can actually strengthen your work. Martin Buckley, a language specialist at the essay writing service WriteMyEssay, recommends using common, academic-friendly idioms to build fluency without losing clarity:

• A double-edged sword – Describes something that has both positive and negative effects.
• The tip of the iceberg – Indicates that a small, visible part is just one aspect of a much larger issue.
• A blessing in disguise – Something that seems bad at first but turns out beneficial.
• At a crossroads – A point where a decision must be made.
• Food for thought – An idea worth thinking about.
• In the long run – Over a long period of time.
• The elephant in the room – An obvious issue that no one wants to address.
• Caught between a rock and a hard place – Facing two difficult options.
• A gray area – Something unclear or open to interpretation.
• On the same page – In agreement or shared understanding.

Final Thoughts

Idioms can bring life and fluency to your writing, but only when used with care. In academic work, clarity always comes first. If you choose to use an idiom, make sure it fits the tone, is widely understood, and supports your point. When in doubt, simpler is better.