BBC Radio
Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation. Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
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Episodes
The English We Speak: A little something 23.12.2025 2:48
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251222 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website...
The English We Speak: Moment of truth 16.12.2025 2:36
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251215 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BB...
The English We Speak: On their toes 09.12.2025 2:39
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251208 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Foll...
The English We Speak: Duck out 02.12.2025 2:27
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251201 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/lea...
The English We Speak: Off base 25.11.2025 3:09
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251124 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/lear...
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing 18.11.2025 2:50
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251117 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www....
The English We Speak: No two ways about it 11.11.2025 2:24
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251110 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk...
The English We Speak: -coded 10.11.2025 2:59
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us...
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something 27.10.2025 3:00
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here. TRY THE READING ROOM: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251027 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our...
The English We Speak: -core 21.10.2025 2:36
This expression describes the vibe of something. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251020 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk...
The English We Speak: Cook 14.10.2025 2:23
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. Learn it here. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251013 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/...
The English We Speak: Neck of the woods 07.10.2025 2:15
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it with Feifei and Phil. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251006 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website...
The English We Speak: Teething problems 30.09.2025 2:42
Teething problems are issues that you have when you’re getting used to something new. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250929 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: V...
The English We Speak: No leg to stand on 23.09.2025 2:58
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250922 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co....
The English We Speak: Speak someone's language 16.09.2025 2:42
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250915 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningengli...
The English We Speak: Ate 09.09.2025 2:21
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250908 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish F...
The English We Speak: Muddle along 02.09.2025 2:29
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250901 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningengl...
The English We Speak: Tough it out 26.08.2025 2:20
When you face a difficult time, you can tough it out. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250826 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc....
The English We Speak: A you problem 19.08.2025 2:41
Don't know this expression? That sounds like a you problem. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250818 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https:...
The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it 12.08.2025 2:58
I know I recognise you, but I can't quite put my finger on where we met. Learn how to use this phrase with Georgie and Feifei. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250811 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our websi...
The English We Speak: All hands on deck 05.08.2025 2:59
This phrase comes from a boating context. Learn how to use it here. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250804 Have you tried 6 Minute English? Find it with a free worksheet and transcript here ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025 Subscribe to our newslet...
The English We Speak: The CEO of... 29.07.2025 2:28
This expression is a funny or silly way of saying someone is the best at something. Learn it here. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250728 Have you tried 6 Minute English? Find it with a free worksheet and transcript here ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-englis...
The English We Speak: Up to my eyes in 22.07.2025 2:58
An expression meaning you’re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250721 Have you tried 6 Minute English? Find it with a free worksheet and transcript here ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025 Subscribe...
The English We Speak: Dabble in 15.07.2025 2:37
Here's an expression that talks about doing something for fun. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei. Have you tried our other podcasts? ✔️ Learning English for Work ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning Easy English ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English Vocabulary They're all available by searching in your podcast app. Subs...
The English We Speak: Rope someone in 08.07.2025 3:00
This phrasal verb is about persuading someone to do something. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei. Have you tried Real Easy English? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the-engli...
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