- 2 minutes 29 secondsThe English We Speak: Side quest
Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. 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-260721
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21 July 2026, 2:00 pm - 2 minutes 41 secondsThe English We Speak: Passing Ships
This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.
Find a free transcript here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713
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14 July 2026, 2:00 pm - 2 minutes 52 secondsThe English We Speak: Understood the assignment
This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei.
As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706.
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7 July 2026, 11:57 am - 2 minutes 15 secondsThe English We Speak: Onto something
Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei.
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629.
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30 June 2026, 8:15 am - 2 minutes 31 secondsThe English We Speak: Sell yourself short
When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
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23 June 2026, 9:10 am - 2 minutes 44 secondsThe English We Speak: Wrap it up
Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615
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16 June 2026, 10:11 am - 2 minutes 49 secondsThe English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall
Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. 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-260608.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
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9 June 2026, 8:43 am - 2 minutes 44 secondsThe English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame
Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie.
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260601
Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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2 June 2026, 10:11 am - 3 minutesThe English We Speak: Gatekeep
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/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
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26 May 2026, 8:33 am - 2 minutes 53 secondsThe English We Speak: In over my head
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/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
19 May 2026, 10:11 am - 2 minutes 32 secondsThe English We Speak: A hunch
Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programme
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-260511
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 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
12 May 2026, 8:38 am - More Episodes? Get the App