BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

Education EN ↓ 815 episodes

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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BBC Radio

Episodes

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...

The English We Speak: Scratch the surface 01.07.2025 2:55

This phrase is about dealing with only a small part of something. Learn how to use it with Georgie and Feifei. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250630 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://ww...

The English We Speak: Step into the shoes 24.06.2025 2:05

Learn an expression about responsibility. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250624 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learni...

The English We Speak: Drop 17.06.2025 2:23

An expression meaning something exciting like a song or TV show is released. Learn it here. 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-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250616 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish...

The English We Speak: All you like 10.06.2025 2:35

An expression meaning whatever you say or do won't change the situation. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250609 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us...

The English We Speak: Around the clock 03.06.2025 1:51

An expression used to talk about time. Learn it here! 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250602 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc....

The English We Speak: Have in your locker 27.05.2025 2:32

An expression that talks about something extra you have. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250526 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.b...

The English We Speak: Come full circle 20.05.2025 2:42

An expression meaning to return to where you started, but in a positive way. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250520 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow...

The English We Speak: Grind someone's gears 13.05.2025 2:38

Use this expression when something really annoys you. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250512 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc....

The English We Speak: Feel seen 06.05.2025 3:18

An expression meaning your experiences or feelings are represented. Learn it here. 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/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250505 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish...

The English We Speak: It's giving 29.04.2025 2:28

An expression meaning something has a certain energy or vibe. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250428 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus The Pronunciation Lounge ✔️ https://www.bb...

The English We Speak: Dial down 22.04.2025 2:35

Here's an expression we use to talk about reducing the intensity of something. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250421 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus The Pronunciation Lounge...

The English We Speak: The name of the game 15.04.2025 2:33

Learn an expression to talk about the most important aspect of something. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250414 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus The Pronunciation Lounge ✔️ ht...

The English We Speak: Do it for the plot 08.04.2025 2:25

An expression for when you make spontaneous life decisions for entertainment. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250407 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus The Pronunciation Lounge ✔...

The English We Speak: Let something slide 01.04.2025 3:10

You're late! I'll let it slide just this once... This phrase has two meanings. Learn them and hear some examples in this episode. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250331 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk...