IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary

off the beaten track

idiom/ɒf ðə ˌbiːtn ˈtræk/Band 8

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

“off the beaten track” is a Band 8 idiom that means in a place away from where people usually go; remote and unfamiliar. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.

Meaning

In a place away from where people usually go; remote and unfamiliar.

Example sentences

Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.

  • We prefer destinations off the beaten track.
  • The village is well off the beaten track.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

remotesecludedout of the way

Antonyms

touristymainstream

Collocations & common phrases

Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.

Collocations

get off the beaten track

Common phrases

off the beaten track

Related idioms

off the beaten track

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Frequently asked questions

What does “off the beaten track” mean?
In a place away from where people usually go; remote and unfamiliar.
How do you use “off the beaten track” in a sentence?
For example: “We prefer destinations off the beaten track.”
What are some synonyms for “off the beaten track”?
Synonyms include remote, secluded, out of the way.
Is “off the beaten track” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as get off the beaten track help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.

Next step

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