Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio•www.bbc.co.uk

Education

Language Learning

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

Last refreshed: June 9th, 2026 at 9:33 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

My mind's gone blank

Why did Rob ask Feifei to meet him in the studio? Here's an expression for when you've forgotten something.

May 12, 2015•2 min

To sleep on it

Find out how 'sleeping on it' doesn't just mean lying on a bed!

May 05, 2015•3 min

All over the place

Neil can't find his script. His pen's gone missing. He's feeling a bit confused. What's wrong with him? Find out in the programme.

Apr 28, 2015•2 min

To go around the houses

Feifei wants to borrow Rob's car but she takes a long time getting to the point. Find out why Rob tells her not to go around the houses. And why doesn't Rob want her to drive his car?

Apr 21, 2015•3 min

Done and dusted

When someone says the phrase 'done and dusted', do they mean doing some proper cleaning?

Apr 14, 2015•2 min

Chill pill

It's hard to swallow but maybe it's time for a chill pill!

Apr 07, 2015•3 min

Put a sock in it!

Why has Helen put a sock in the toaster and how is that going to keep her quiet?

Mar 31, 2015•3 min

A wild card

Who's the wild card in the office? Rob and Feifei use a phrase to describe an unpredictable colleague.

Mar 31, 2015•2 min

To take a shot / stab in the dark

Feifei thinks someone's been killed but then discovers taking a stab in the dark doesn't involve using knives!

Mar 17, 2015•3 min

To keep a lid on it

Li and Neil go for a coffee, but why do they have to keep a lid on it?

Mar 10, 2015•3 min

To be on the ball

Learn a phrase to describe the ability to react quickly to things.

Mar 03, 2015•2 min

Mind-blowing

Feifei and Harry use an expression for things that amaze and astound.

Feb 24, 2015•3 min

Out for the count

Neil and Li talk about how a boxing expression can be used in everyday life.

Feb 17, 2015•3 min

Game changer

Feifei and Harry use an expression for people and ideas that change the way we do things.

Feb 10, 2015•3 min

Wow factor

Harry and Feifei look at an expression for when things surprise and impress you.

Feb 03, 2015•3 min

Full on

Harry and Feifei talk about a common colloquial expression for when things are intense.

Jan 27, 2015•3 min

Stab in the back

Harry and Feifei talk about an expression that is not as violent as it sounds.

Jan 20, 2015•3 min

To downsize

Neil and Feifei talk about a word made popular by the economic downturn

Jan 13, 2015•2 min

At the movies

Sci-fi, romcom, whodunnit – What kind of movies do you like?

Jan 06, 2015•3 min

Killing time

Neil tells Helen to kill time but she smashes up a clock. Find out why and learn a useful expression.

Dec 30, 2014•3 min

Like turkeys voting for Christmas

Do you celebrate Christmas? Do you like eating turkey? Do you think turkeys like Christmas? Learn this humorous idiom

Dec 23, 2014•3 min

Face the music

There's something Neil's forgotten to do and now he has to face the music. Listen to the programme to find out why.

Dec 16, 2014•2 min

Internet speak

'Snail mail', 'post' and 'hard copy' – learn expressions connected with computers

Dec 09, 2014•3 min

Viral

Li's cat video has gone viral. Will she be happy about it? Learn an expression from the internet age

Dec 02, 2014•3 min

Give the cold shoulder

Is Feifei's designer shawl a solution to her problems with Lisa? Listen to the programme to find out

Nov 25, 2014•3 min

Phishing

Rob is deleting some emails. He won't take the bait sent in by criminals!

Nov 18, 2014•2 min

Take to the cleaners

Rob's very expensive shirt is ruined! Who will pay for it? Listen to the programme to find out

Nov 11, 2014•3 min

Eat humble pie

Is Rob hungry enough to win a pie-eating competition? Listen to the programme

Nov 04, 2014•3 min

Water off a duck's back

Feifei has a thing or two to learn from the ducks in the park. So do you. Listen to the programme.

Oct 28, 2014•3 min

Take for a ride

Li wants to invest in a car moved by air. Is she going to lose her money?

Oct 21, 2014•3 min

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