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 alwa...
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The English We Speak
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
Episodes
20 of 824 episodes
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 al...
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 ab...
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...
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 t...
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...
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...
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 thi...
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...
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 pro...
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 'on...
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 expres...
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 fr...
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...
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 a...
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....
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...
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 programme For more great language tips and programmes visit bb...
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...
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 t...