The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch

The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch

Author: BBC Radio February 24, 2026 Duration: 2:56

Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil.

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.


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: Lock in [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here!FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105TRY THE LISTENING ROOM…
The English We Speak: A fresh start [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36
A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251229TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningengl…
The English We Speak: A little something [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:48
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251222TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learnin…
The English We Speak: Moment of truth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251215 TRY THE LI…
The English We Speak: On their toes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:39
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-25120…
The English We Speak: Duck out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:27
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251201 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️…
The English We Speak: Off base [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:09
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-spe…
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:50
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-…
The English We Speak: No two ways about it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:24
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-w…
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…