Learning English Conversations
- Episodes
- 830
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Oct 20, 2026
About the podcast
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.
Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.
And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.
Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes 830
The English We Speak: Leave to one's own devices
Sometimes people leave you to do something on your own because they trust you. Sometimes people just don't want to help you. In both of these situations we can say that you are left to your own devices. Learn …
Show notes
Sometimes people leave you to do something on your own because they trust you. Sometimes people just don't want to help you. In both of these situations we can say that you are left to your own devices. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261019
Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english
The English We Speak: Try one's patience
Try your patience means 'test your patience'. Find out how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-s …
Show notes
Try your patience means 'test your patience'. Find out how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.
Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261012
Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english
The English We Speak: Sack something off
I’ve got too many plans. I’m going to sack them off and just chill out this week! Learn how to use 'sack something off' in this programme with Georgie and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here …
Show notes
I’ve got too many plans. I’m going to sack them off and just chill out this week! Learn how to use 'sack something off' in this programme with Georgie and Feifei.
Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261005
Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/
The English We Speak: In a tizzy
An expression to use when you feel stressed about something small and usually not worth the panic. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here …
Show notes
An expression to use when you feel stressed about something small and usually not worth the panic. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei.
Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260928
Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/
The English We Speak: Same person, different font
Same hair, same style, same ways of waking and talking? They might be the 'same person, different font'. Learn how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here …
Show notes
Same hair, same style, same ways of waking and talking? They might be the 'same person, different font'. Learn how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.
Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260921
Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/
The English We Speak: Hot take
Do you want to share a surprising opinion? Learn how to use 'hot take' with Feifei and Becca. Get a free transcript to read while you listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english//features/the-engl …
Show notes
Do you want to share a surprising opinion? Learn how to use 'hot take' with Feifei and Becca.
Get a free transcript to read while you listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english//features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260914
Get weekly updates and tips for improving your English here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
And check out our new website layout! We've given the homepage an update to make it easier to navigate: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/
We'd love some feedback about our website, or any of our programmes. Just email us at [email protected]
The English We Speak: Try it on
Sometimes people lie to try and get away with things. They are just trying It on. Learn how to use 'try it on' with Feifei and Phil. As always, get your free transcript for this episode here …
Show notes
Sometimes people lie to try and get away with things. They are just trying It on. Learn how to use 'try it on' with Feifei and Phil. As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260907
Also on our website, you can practice your listening and speaking: - The Listening Room https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room - The Reading Room https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_reading_room
Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
The English We Speak: Non-starter
Some ideas are just never going to work. Those are what we call 'non-starters'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, get your free transcript for this episode here …
Show notes
Some ideas are just never going to work. Those are what we call 'non-starters'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260831
Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599 - also feel free to respond! We read everything, although we don't have time to reply to everyone.
Have you tried our 'Real Easy English' podcast? Listen to real conversations about everyday topics to boost your listening confidence. You can WATCH the podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english
The English We Speak: No notes
Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it with Feifei and Georgie.As …
Show notes
Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it 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-260824
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
The English We Speak: Say less
This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free …
Show notes
This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it 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-260817
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
The English We Speak: Share your life story
Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ …
Show notes
Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' 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-260810
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself
Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. You can get a free transcript for this programme here …
Show notes
Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone.
You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803
Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills
And don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter to receive a message from your favourite presenters and our tips to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
Come back here this time next week for the next episode of The English We Speak
The English We Speak: One size fits all
This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript …
Show notes
This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. 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-260727
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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 …
Show notes
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
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
The 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 …
Show notes
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
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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 …
Show notes
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.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
The 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 …
Show notes
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.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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: ✔️ …
Show notes
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
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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 …
Show notes
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
Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills
Sign up to our newsletter to never miss our updates and learning tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
The 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 …
Show notes
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
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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: ✔️ …
Show notes
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
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
The 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 …
Show notes
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.
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.
The 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 …
Show notes
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.
The English We Speak: A hunch
Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programmeFor more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ …
Show notes
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.
The English We Speak: Take it as a given
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and programmes visit …
Show notes
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil.
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-260504
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.
The English We Speak: Think on your feet
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and …
Show notes
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
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-260427
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.
The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie.For …
Show notes
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, 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-260420
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.
The English We Speak: Yap
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ …
Show notes
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot 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-260413
And 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 discover the range.
The English We Speak: Flow State
When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free …
Show notes
When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. 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-260406
And 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 discover the range.
The English We Speak: Got you
If you've got someone, you support them.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-spe …
Show notes
If you've got someone, you support them.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-260330
And 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 discover the range.
These are the latest 100 of 830 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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