Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

  • 2 minutes 39 seconds
    The English We Speak: On their toes

    This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.

    FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251208

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    9 December 2025, 10:07 am
  • 2 minutes 27 seconds
    The English We Speak: Duck out

    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

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    2 December 2025, 10:55 am
  • 3 minutes 9 seconds
    The English We Speak: Off base

    This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei.

    FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251124

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    25 November 2025, 11:07 am
  • 2 minutes 50 seconds
    The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing

    When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

    FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251117

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    18 November 2025, 10:49 am
  • 2 minutes 24 seconds
    The English We Speak: No two ways about it

    If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

    FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251110

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    FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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    11 November 2025, 10:30 am
  • 2 minutes 59 seconds
    The English We Speak: -coded

    Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.

    FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103

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    10 November 2025, 11:58 am
  • 3 minutes
    The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something

    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

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    27 October 2025, 12:37 pm
  • 2 minutes 36 seconds
    The English We Speak: -core

    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: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories

    They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

    21 October 2025, 3:26 pm
  • 2 minutes 23 seconds
    The English We Speak: Cook

    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 of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories

    They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

    14 October 2025, 9:41 am
  • 2 minutes 15 seconds
    The English We Speak: Neck of the woods

    This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it 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-251006

    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

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    7 October 2025, 10:31 am
  • 2 minutes 42 seconds
    The English We Speak: Teething problems

    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/learningenglish/followus

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    30 September 2025, 10:02 am
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