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
Emoticon: 12 Nov [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:47
Rob and Vera have a misunderstanding about an email. Listen to this programme to find out why emoticons can be useful in written messages.
Keep your chin up!: 5 Nov [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:21
Rob tells Vera to 'keep her chin up'. But what does he mean? Find out with this week's programme.
Cost an arm and a leg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:34
Rob goes shopping but the clothes cost 'an arm and a leg'. What does this mean?
Hunky-dory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:06
Rob and Chris mention the phrase 'hunky-dory' to Helen. Are they trying to say that they are muscular men? Find out what this phrase means with The English We Speak.
Things are looking up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:01
Helen gets confused when she hears that 'things are looking up'. Find out what this phrase means with The English We Speak.
My mind has gone blank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:09
Rosie's mind has gone blank in the studio! Does that mean she's lost her memory? Listen to this programme to find out.
Shut up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:34
Li and Rosie look at an expression which can be rude or jokey. Be careful how you use it!
Throw the book at somebody [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:44
Rosie arrives late again and she tells Helen that their boss will throw the book at her. Is he going to hurt her?
A finger in every pie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24
Jen made some delicious pies but what does it mean when we say she has 'a finger in every pie'?
Finding your feet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42
Helen and Rosie are doing a salsa class, but Rosie is still finding her feet. What does it mean?