Irons in the fire

Irons in the fire

Author: BBC Radio December 10, 2012 Duration: 2:43

Jen tells Helen that she has a few 'irons in the fire' for her fortnight off work. Learn a phrase to describe having lots of options. Find out more with this programme.


Produced by BBC Radio, Learning English Conversations is a practical companion for anyone navigating the nuances of a new language. This podcast moves beyond textbook grammar to focus on the living language you hear in the streets, offices, and cafes. Each episode delves into everyday expressions and authentic dialogues, breaking down how English is actually spoken in casual and professional settings. A regular highlight is the popular segment 'The English We Speak,' which unpacks a new piece of slang, idiom, or useful phrase every week, giving you the confidence to use it yourself. The series also features special deep-dive collections tackling specific challenges, such as the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' series, which offers strategies to overcome the common fear of making mistakes in conversation. The tone is supportive and clear, prioritizing real-world application over theory. By listening, you gain access to the rhythms, shortcuts, and cultural context that make conversations flow more naturally. Tune in for a direct, accessible route to feeling more at ease and capable in your English speaking and listening journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 802

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
The English We Speak: Touchy-feely [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:16
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's phrase is touchy-feely.
The English We Speak: Two Ticks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:25
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week we find out what it means when someone says "I'll be with you in two ticks", and other related phrases.
The English We Speak: Swizz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:18
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week, find out how Li became the victim of a swizz.
The English We Speak: 'Sick' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:04
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's word is 'sick' which can have a different meaning to the one you'd expect.
The English We Speak: 'Savvy' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:02
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'savvy'.
The English We Speak: ' anorak' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:35
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'anorak'.
The English We Speak: 'Awesome' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:08
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'awesome'
The English We Speak: 'Wee' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:48
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'wee'
The English We Speak: 'Green' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:51
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'green'
The English We Speak: 'Loved Up' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:53
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's phrase is 'loved up'