podcast

Learning English Conversations

by BBC Radio

The English We Speak: Moment of truth

16.12.2025 • 00:02:36

Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learni...

The English We Speak: On their toes

09.12.2025 • 00:02:39

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....

The English We Speak: Duck out

02.12.2025 • 00:02:27

This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/feat...

The English We Speak: Off base

25.11.2025 • 00:03:09

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: ✔️ h...

The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing

18.11.2025 • 00:02:50

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 TR...

The English We Speak: No two ways about it

11.11.2025 • 00:02:24

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:...

The English We Speak: -coded

10.11.2025 • 00:02:59

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/...

The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something

27.10.2025 • 00:03:00

This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here. TRY THE READING ROOM: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/th...

The English We Speak: -core

21.10.2025 • 00:02:36

This expression describes the vibe of something. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/...

The English We Speak: Cook

14.10.2025 • 00:02:23

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 episod...