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
Comfort zone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:07
Learn a phrase that has less to do with sofas and more to do with feelings in this week's The English We Speak.
Knickers in a twist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:46
In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'knickers in a twist'.
To let the cat out of the bag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:11
In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'To let the cat out of the bag'.
To paint the town red [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:21
In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'To paint the town'.
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:35
In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed'.
Wake up and smell the coffee! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:04
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'Wake up and smell the coffee!'.
The English We Speak: Have your cake and eat it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'Have your cake and eat it'.
The English We Speak: Happy Bunny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:35
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'Happy bunny'.
The English We Speak: Get your hands dirty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:53
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. In this edition of The English We Speak find out the meaning of the expression 'Get your hands dirty'.