Plain sailing

Plain sailing

Author: BBC Radio August 20, 2012 Duration: 4:15

Li joins Rob on a sailing boat. Listen to their excursion and learn some sailing idioms..


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: Makes my skin crawl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:50
Here's an expression for when you're incredibly disgusted by something.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/englis…
The English We Speak: An uphill task [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:03
This is a phrase about something that needs energy and determination. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/eng…
The English We Speak: Bide someone's time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
Here's an expression about waiting patiently for an opportunity.[Image: Getty]Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/fe…
The English We Speak: From the get-go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:54
Here's an expression that means 'from the beginning'. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/th…
The English We Speak: Stomping ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:47
Here's an expression you can use about somewhere you live or visit very often.Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/fe…
The English We Speak: Tug at the heartstrings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:13
Here's an expression for when something makes you feel strong emotions. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/e…
The English We Speak: Clutch at straws [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:01
Here's an expression you can use when you're in a desperate situation. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/en…
The English We Speak: Crank up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:32
Here's an expression about increasing intensity.[Image: Getty]Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-engli…
The English We Speak: Find your groove [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:14
Learn an expression that means getting used to something.An expression that means something is very high quality.[Image: Getty]Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at:…
The English We Speak: Top-notch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:30
An expression that means something is very high quality.[Image: Getty]For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comFind a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with y…