The English We Speak: A little something

The English We Speak: A little something

Author: BBC Radio December 23, 2025 Duration: 2:48

Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.

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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: 50

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
The English We Speak: Hot take [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:26
Do you want to share a surprising opinion? Learn how to use 'hot take' with Feifei and Becca. Get a free transcript to read while you listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english//features/the-english-we-sp…
The English We Speak: Try it on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:04
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 always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learni…
The English We Speak: Non-starter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
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 always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learn…
The English We Speak: No notes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04
Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it with Feifei and Georgie.As always, find a…
The English We Speak: Say less [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36
This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️…
The English We Speak: Share your life story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:18
Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-engl…
The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
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 this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-…
The English We Speak: One size fits all [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️…
The English We Speak: Side quest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:29
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 this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ http…
The English We Speak: Passing Ships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:41
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 time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, wit…