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.
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This episode of 'The English We Speak' introduces and explains the idiom 'throw ideas at the wall.' Hosts Feifei and Phil illustrate its use when generating numerous suggestions without deep consideration, hoping one proves viable. They delve into its meaning, provide practical examples, and explore its interesting origins, including the connection to 'throwing mud at the wall.'
In this episode of The English We Speak, Feifei and Georgie delve into the idiom 'like a moth to a flame.' They explain how it describes an intense attraction to something that might be dangerous or unhealthy, providing various relatable examples. The discussion also contrasts this expression with 'like bees to honey,' highlighting the nuanced differences in their connotations regarding consequences.
Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningeng...
Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/...
Join Fei Fei and Becca in "The English We Speak" as they explore the common English phrase "a hunch." They define it as a strong feeling or intuition about something without concrete proof, sharing practical examples of its usage in various contexts. The episode also clarifies how to correctly use the phrase grammatically, helping learners confidently incorporate it into their vocabulary.
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260504 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningen...
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260427 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ...
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260420 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetin...
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260413 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Le...
This episode delves into the popular English phrase 'flow state,' defining it as a mental state of complete focus where time seems to fly and tasks are performed effortlessly. Feifei and Becca share personal anecdotes and listener examples, discussing conditions conducive to achieving flow, such as engaging in enjoyable activities or creating a distraction-free environment. They also touch upon its usage in meditation, yoga, and even science, highlighting its varied interpretations.
This episode from "The English We Speak" delves into the colloquial expression "I've got you," explaining its metaphorical meaning of providing support or assistance, similar to having someone's back. Hosts Feifei and Becca illustrate its usage with various real-life examples, from helping with directions to offering help with tasks. The discussion also covers the common pronunciation "gotchu" and highlights its informal nature, advising against its use in formal writing.
Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260323 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search ...
Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei. TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316 OFFICE ENGLISH: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english 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:/...
This episode explores the idiom "cut corners," using a literal running track analogy to explain its metaphorical meaning. Hosts Feifei and Georgie discuss how this phrase implies a negative connotation, often leading to subpar results. They also introduce opposite expressions like "go the extra mile" for context.
Many English learners feel their personality is hidden when speaking a foreign language. This episode explores the psychological reasons behind this anxiety, featuring insights from experts on identity and nervousness. It provides actionable strategies, including self-observation diaries and taking calm breaks, alongside immersing oneself in enjoyable English activities, to help learners overcome fears and confidently express their authentic selves.
If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie and hear more examples. IND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260302 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLIS...
Sometimes it can feel like no matter how much you practise speaking, you don’t get any better. In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel stuck learning English. With speaking coaches Rhiannon Carter and Barnaby Griffiths. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabul...
Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-e...
Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn’t understand the joke? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking English. With Peruvian performer Pepa Duarte. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary ...
Join Phil and Feifei as they explore the English expression "to learn something the hard way," illustrating how individuals gain understanding from personal mistakes and difficult experiences. They provide vivid examples, from forgetting to save work to missing a train, and also introduce the related phrase "to learn hard lessons," offering a comprehensive guide to these idioms.
Addressing the common fear of not being understood, this episode features an expert discussing accents and pronunciation. It challenges the pursuit of a native-like accent, emphasizing that intelligibility is key for effective communication. Listeners will learn practical strategies, like accommodation, to adjust their speech for clarity and gain confidence in their unique accents.
Join Fei Fei and Phil from BBC Learning English to explore the phrase "a big ask." They illustrate its meaning through a personal anecdote, clearly define it as a difficult request, and provide various examples of its use in both professional and casual contexts, including a brief note on its grammatical function.
Do you get nervous speaking English in front of people, even a small group of friends? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups. With Regina Kaplan Rakowski, Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with ...
Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningeng...
Speaking is only one side of the conversation. You also have to listen to and understand the other person. In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations. With Erhan Aslan, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video ...
This episode of The English We Speak explores the useful idiom 'shoot off,' explaining its meaning as leaving rapidly due to urgency. Presenters Georgie and Fay Fey provide practical examples and discuss related expressions like 'dash off' and 'head out,' helping listeners use these phrases correctly in everyday English. The episode also includes a brief promotion for the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' series.
Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can’t always remember words we know in a new language. With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and lear...
This episode delves into the versatile English expression "hot on the heels." It explains that the phrase signifies something happening immediately after another event, often unexpectedly, providing real-world examples like a new album followed by a tour announcement. Additionally, the discussion covers its use to describe following closely behind someone or something, such as a police car chasing a robber, and introduces variations like "hot on the tail."
Hosts Georgie and Hanan kick off a new series on beating speaking anxiety, focusing on the common fear of making mistakes when speaking English. They share personal struggles and hear from learners, then consult Professor Han Luo on the irrational beliefs that cause this fear. Speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths provides actionable advice on embracing mistakes and communicating effectively, encouraging listeners to practice in safe environments and through language exchanges.
This episode of 'The English We Speak' defines 'aura farming,' a contemporary phrase for people who intentionally create a specific image online to gain attention, likes, or praise. Hosts Feifei and Beth discuss examples, from artistic coffee photos to posing with luxury items, and introduce the related concept of 'earning aura points.' It explores how individuals use social media to cultivate a desired reputation, whether harmlessly or obviously.
