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BBC Radio
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Moment of truth
Dive into the drama of life with a common expression that heightens suspense: 'the moment of truth.' Witness Georgie's nerve-wracking wait for her exam results, and discover how this phrase can make presentations to a boss more impactful. Everyday situations, from baking a cake to a critical penalty shot, illustrate just how this expression can enhance storytelling. Feifei and Georgie break down why such moments feel so significant, wrapping everything up with a clear understanding of this phrase's dramatic flair.

4 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: On their toes
Explore the lively idiom 'keep someone on their toes,' emphasizing staying alert and ready. Discover its literal meaning rooted in the image of standing on toes. Enjoy personal anecdotes about varying workweeks that maintain alertness. Gain insights through relatable examples in classrooms, restaurants, and during roadworks. Dive into a related phrase, 'be on the ball,' highlighting quick understanding and reaction. Join the fun as the hosts recap the idiom and its uses, leaving you entertained and informed!

4 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: Duck out
Learn the quirky phrase 'duck out,' which means to leave quickly. The hosts share relatable stories, including one about escaping washing up duties. They provide fun examples of ducking out from parties and meetings, along with sample dialogues. Discover the interesting origin of the verb 'duck' and how it relates to the expression. Plus, a wardrobe malfunction adds a humorous twist to their personal anecdotes. Perfect for English learners wanting to enrich their vocabulary!

Nov 25, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Off base
Discover the expression 'off base,' meaning someone's idea is far from reality. Hear amusing tales of cake decorating gone wrong and costume fitting mishaps that illustrate this phrase. Explore example uses and learn how adding modifiers like 'totally' or 'completely' can emphasize its meaning. Dive into the baseball origins of the term, connecting it to being in the wrong place. It’s a fun and educational chat that sharpens your English skills!

9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
Discover the meaning of the idiom 'take someone under your wing' as Feifei and Phil dive into its roots and bird imagery. They share heartwarming examples of mentorship in various settings, from choirs to universities. The duo also introduces a similar expression, 'put your arm around someone's shoulder,' highlighting the essence of support. Join them for a lighthearted exploration of helpful English phrases that enrich your language skills!

8 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: No two ways about it
Discover the expression 'no two ways about it' and its strong emphasis on certainty. Join Feifei and Phil as they explore the idiom's meaning and provide relatable examples for everyday use. Learn the common grammatical structure behind this phrase. Plus, hear about the benefits of cycling to work, from dodging traffic to staying fit. It’s a fun blend of language insights and practical tips that will enhance your English conversational skills!

Nov 10, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: -coded
Discover a fresh twist on the word 'coded' as it relates to everyday life. The hosts explore how this term describes people or things that share similar traits or aesthetics. From student meals like beans and chips to art that gives off particular vibes, the conversation unpacks real-world examples. Learn how to express resemblance in a fun way and hear alternatives like 'gives off the vibe of.' Tune in for a lively discussion that makes language learning enjoyable!

19 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
Discover the quirky idiom 'make a pig's ear of something,' meaning to do something badly. The hosts share amusing examples like disastrous haircuts and botched presentations. They explain its informal nature and British roots, making it perfect for everyday conversations. You'll also learn how to emphasize the idiom with modifiers like 'real' or 'right.' It's a fun and educational dive into colorful expressions used in daily life!

4 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: -core
Discover the trendy slang suffix 'core' that captures the vibe of various styles! Hear about examples like fairycore and cottagecore, which reflect unique atmospheres. Learn how to incorporate 'core' into your own descriptions to enhance your communication. The hosts share insights on its popularity in social media and fandoms, making it a fun addition to your vocabulary. Tune in for lively discussions and a few laughs as they wrap up with a cheeky take on being 'English core'!

Oct 14, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: Cook
Discover the slang phrase 'let her cook,' which means someone is doing well and should be allowed to continue. The hosts share a humorous example about letting a friend's dad tell his famously long jokes. You'll also learn about the casual usage of 'cook' in conversations, perfect for social settings. The playful tone makes it clear that while it's fun to use, it probably shouldn’t make its way into formal discussions. Tune in for laughter and insights on this lively expression!


