Makeover

Makeover

Author: BBC Radio April 15, 2013 Duration: 4:13

Feifei thinks that Catherine looks better, younger, prettier. Why does Catherine look so different today? Find out more with The English We Speak.


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: -coded [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:59
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103 SUBS…
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.TRY THE READING ROOM: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_roomFIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish…
The English We Speak: -core [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36
This expression describes the vibe of something.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251020 Subscribe to our newsletter…
The English We Speak: Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:23
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. Learn it here.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-w…
The English We Speak: Neck of the woods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it with Feifei and Phil.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/engl…
The English We Speak: Teething problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42
Teething problems are issues that you have when you’re getting used to something new. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/lear…
The English We Speak: No leg to stand on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:58
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250922 Subscribe to our newslett…
The English We Speak: Speak someone's language [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/…
The English We Speak: Ate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:21
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-2…
The English We Speak: Muddle along [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:29
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025…