Bells and whistles
Will bells and whistles add to the value of your gadget? Listen to the programme
Episodes
Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
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Episodes
Everything but the kitchen sink
Neil and Li are going on a camping trip. But are they packing too much?
Beat the drum
Neil and Li want to help protect baby turtles. But do they need a drum?
Until the cows come home
Neil and Li are keen to go home. How long will they have to wait for the bus?
Smell a rat
Li is told she won the lottery. But is it true? Neil has bad news for her.
Funny ha-ha or funny peculiar
When does 'funny' have nothing to do with laughter?
Corporate speak
Blue-sky thinking? Pushing the envelope? Learn what these business terms mean
Take it with a pinch of salt
Helen takes Neil out for tea but why does she put salt in his cup? Find out more
Cold feet
Rob wants a pay rise. But why do his 'cold feet' stop him asking for one?
Not enough room to swing a cat
It's hard to find the right place to live. Here's an expression about space.
Off the back of a lorry
Buying something really good but super cheap? This expression will make you think twice.
Wrong 'un
Li and Finn are looking on an online dating website. Li thinks she's found Mr Right. But Finn thinks he might be a wrong 'un. Learn more about this phrase in the programme.
Pie in the sky
Finn and Li are in the woods. Can they see more than birds flying in the sky?
On the tip of my tongue
Can't quite remember what to say? We have a phrase that might help you.
Under your belt
What does it mean if you say an actor has lots of awards under his belt?
To brush over
When you are decorating, there are some things you can't brush over
Go the extra mile
How can Feifei save money for a new car? Will she go the extra mile?
Beat around the bush
Rob and Li go camping but they are not alone. Join them to learn a phrase
The boot's on the other foot
How are boots connected to a changing situation?
Pull the plug
Rob is having serious problems with a project. Li wants to help him. But how? Listen to the programme to find out.
In the doghouse
Behave or you might end up in the kennel with your dog. Learn a new phrase.
Chew the fat
Rob and Feifei share a hearty meal and a new phrase. Join them to learn more.
Treading on eggshells
What are you treading on if you're trying not to offend someone? We can explain.
Take a rain check
What does 'taking a rain check' mean? Do we need an umbrella?
Use your loaf
What's the connection between bread and common sense? You might need this expression.
Stumped
Playing cricket is not the only place where you could get stumped. Find out what it means when it happens to you.
Skeleton in the closet
Finn and Li go to his late uncle's house. What is Li afraid of? We hope this expression won't frighten you.
To have words
Why is Finn cross with Li? Here's a good expression for when you're out of patience.
Crystal clear
If something is crystal clear, how clear is it? Rob and Feifei find out when they build a wardrobe.
Ginormous
The glass and steel buildings of modern Shanghai are ginormous. What does this mean?