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This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here! FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105 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 ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc....
In this episode, Feifei and Phil introduce the English phrase "a fresh start," meaning an opportunity to begin anew, unaffected by past issues. They provide various examples, from New Year's resolutions to new jobs or even fixing mistakes, and highlight the common verb "make" used with the phrase. It's a concise guide to using this common expression.
This episode of The English We Speak explores the versatile phrase 'a little something.' Hosts Feifei and Phil clarify its use for referring to small presents, particularly around holidays or special occasions. They also explain how it's often used in British English to make gifts, regardless of their actual size, seem less significant or awkward, providing clear examples for listeners to grasp this cultural nuance.
Join Fay Faye and Georgie as they unravel "the moment of truth," an English expression signifying the pivotal moment when a long-awaited outcome is finally revealed. Using Georgie's Spanish exam results as a relatable example, they define the phrase and illustrate its use in various contexts, from cooking experiments to sporting events. Learn how this dramatic idiom adds suspense to everyday situations, perfect for fluent English speakers.
Join Feifei and Georgie as they explore the English idiom "keep someone on their toes." Learn how this phrase describes doing something to ensure a person remains alert and prepared for unexpected events, with practical examples from daily life. The episode also introduces the related expression "be on the ball," which signifies being quick to understand or react.
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/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning E...
Join Feifei and Beth on The English We Speak as they demystify the common idiom "off base." Learn its meaning – being mistaken or having an idea far from reality – through personal anecdotes like a disastrous birthday cake and a poorly sized costume. The hosts also explore how adverbs like "totally" and "way" modify the phrase and reveal its interesting origin in baseball.
This episode of The English We Speak explores the idiom "take someone under your wing." Phil and Feifei clarify that the phrase means to provide help, guidance, or protection, often to someone less experienced, likening it to a bird protecting its young. They offer various examples and discuss similar expressions like "put your arm around someone's shoulder."
This episode of 'The English We Speak' introduces the idiom 'No two ways about it,' which is used to stress that something is definitely true or undeniable. Phil explains its meaning after cycling to work, and Feifei offers a counter-example. The hosts provide various scenarios and grammatical contexts for effectively using this common English expression.
Join Feifei and Georgie on The English We Speak as they introduce and explain the popular internet slang term "coded." They use various examples, such as "you coded" or "student-coded," to illustrate how this word is used to describe something that perfectly matches the traits or aesthetic of a person or type. Discover how to use this expression and a similar phrase, "gives off the vibe of," to sound more like a fluent English speaker.
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 website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...
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/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learni...
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/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some ...
This episode of The English We Speak introduces the informal idiom 'neck of the woods.' Feifei and Phil explain that the phrase refers to an area or part of an area, often where one lives. They provide various examples, illustrating how it's commonly used in speech with possessive pronouns like 'my' or 'your' neck of the woods, helping listeners incorporate it into their vocabulary.
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: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learnin...
Join Feifei and Georgie on The English We Speak as they demystify the idiom "no leg to stand on." Learn its meaning – having a weak or unsupported argument – through relatable examples, including a friend's attempt to return a dress. The hosts also cover grammatical usage and a related phrase, helping listeners integrate this expression into their everyday conversations.
Feifei and Georgie introduce and explain the idiom "speak someone's language," which signifies complete agreement or enthusiasm for an idea, often used spontaneously. They provide various examples of its usage and also introduce a similar expression, "to be on the same wavelength," meaning to think similarly. The hosts illustrate how these phrases can be used in everyday conversation.
In this "The English We Speak" episode, Feifei and Beth explore the contemporary slang "ate." They clarify that "ate" means someone did something exceptionally well, particularly in performances or fashion. The hosts also discuss the intensified phrase "ate and left no crumbs," signifying complete faultlessness, and mention "slay" as a related informal term, providing practical examples of their usage.
Join Feifei and Beth as they explore the phrasal verb "muddle along," a common English expression for managing a situation without a precise plan or in less-than-ideal conditions. They provide clear examples, such as coping with an old phone or moving into a new house unprepared. The discussion also expands to include similar phrases like "muddle on" and "muddle through," explaining their nuances and usage. This episode offers practical insights into using these expressions in everyday conversation.
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.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ L...
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://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE POD...
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 website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/follo...
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 newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our w...
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-english_2025 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEA...
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 to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HE...
This episode introduces the English expression 'dabble in,' explaining its primary meaning of doing something for enjoyment without seriousness, often for hobbies. It also covers a nuanced usage where 'dabble in' can refer to a minor part of one's job or be used modestly, providing practical examples for better understanding.
This episode of The English We Speak explains the phrasal verb 'rope someone in.' Hosts Feifei and Georgie illustrate its meaning—to persuade someone, often unwillingly, to do something—with personal anecdotes. They also provide practical examples from colleagues and discuss its common usage in both active and passive forms.
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://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCAST...
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/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning Engl...
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 Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other po...
