

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
bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it
Dive into the intriguing phrase 'can't put my finger on it.' Discover its meaning and everyday usage through engaging examples. The hosts explore how this expression captures moments of confusion and nuanced emotions. Join the conversation as they illustrate its relevance in daily life, making it a handy phrase for any English learner.

12 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: All hands on deck
Discover the phrase 'all hands on deck' and its nautical roots, emphasizing the essence of teamwork. The discussion highlights how this expression symbolizes collaboration during urgent scenarios. Dive into related sayings that stress the importance of working together to achieve common goals.

10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: The CEO of...
Dive into a playful exploration of the phrase 'the CEO of,' a humorous way to denote someone who excels in a particular area. The hosts share relatable examples, from managing pets to unique hobbies, showing how this phrase adds flair to everyday conversations. Discover how to incorporate this amusing expression into your own speech for a fun twist!

4 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Up to my eyes in
Dive into the phrase 'up to your eyes in' to uncover what it means to feel overwhelmed with responsibilities. The hosts share personal stories that illustrate this expression in stressful situations. Listeners gain practical examples to enhance their English language skills. It's a fun exploration of language and relatable experiences!

13 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Dabble in
Explore the fun phrase 'dabble in' as the hosts break down its meaning and usage. Discover how it applies to casual hobbies and work scenarios. With practical examples, you'll learn to sprinkle this expression into your own conversations effortlessly. Tune in for a lively discussion that makes learning English enjoyable!

37 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Rope someone in
Dive into the art of persuasion with an exploration of the phrase 'rope someone in.' Discover its meaning and how to use it in daily conversations. The hosts share personal stories and grammatical tips to help you effectively convince others. Learn how to navigate those tricky situations where people may be reluctant to participate. It’s an engaging mix of language and real-life applications that you won't want to miss!

8 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: Scratch the surface
Dive into the intriguing concept of 'scratch the surface' as it unpacks both literal and metaphorical meanings. The speakers share relatable examples to highlight how this phrase reflects superficial understanding. They emphasize the need for deeper engagement and richer conversations, reminding us that true comprehension often lies beneath the surface. Tune in to learn how to enhance your communication skills and make your discussions more meaningful!

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: Step into the shoes
Delve into the meaning of 'step into someone's shoes' and discover its importance in communication. The discussion highlights how this expression emphasizes perspective-taking and empathy. Listeners will learn about its practical applications in everyday conversations and how it can foster understanding between individuals. Comparisons with similar phrases add depth to the exploration, making it a rich topic for anyone interested in enhancing their communication skills.

9 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 2min
The English We Speak: Drop
Discover the thrilling meaning behind the term 'drop,' which signifies the release of something eagerly awaited, like a new song or tech gadget. The discussion delves into how this expression perfectly encapsulates the buzz surrounding fresh creative works. Get examples that illuminate this fun phrase, making you feel the excitement of the latest launches in music, fashion, and technology!

26 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 3min
The English We Speak: All you like
In this discussion, the phrase 'all you like' is unpacked, highlighting its meaning that no matter what you do, the situation remains unchanged. Engaging anecdotes help illustrate its practical use in conversations. The speakers encourage listeners to embrace and practice new expressions, making language learning enjoyable and relatable.