The English We Speak: Teething problems

The English We Speak: Teething problems

Author: BBC Radio September 30, 2025 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/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250929

Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.


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
To be on the ball [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40
Learn a phrase to describe the ability to react quickly to things.
Mind-blowing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:16
Feifei and Harry use an expression for things that amaze and astound.
Out for the count [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31
Neil and Li talk about how a boxing expression can be used in everyday life.
Game changer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
Feifei and Harry use an expression for people and ideas that change the way we do things.
Wow factor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:58
Harry and Feifei look at an expression for when things surprise and impress you.
Full on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:49
Harry and Feifei talk about a common colloquial expression for when things are intense.
Stab in the back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:40
Harry and Feifei talk about an expression that is not as violent as it sounds.
To downsize [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:23
Neil and Feifei talk about a word made popular by the economic downturn
At the movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:40
Sci-fi, romcom, whodunnit – What kind of movies do you like?
Killing time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:33
Neil tells Helen to kill time but she smashes up a clock. Find out why and learn a useful expression.