Things are looking up

Things are looking up

Author: BBC Radio October 15, 2012 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.


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
On fleek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:29
From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.
Contact tracing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:30
Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key worker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:45
Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sharenting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:57
Don't share too many photos of your children!
Plastic footprint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:51
It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.
Spoiler alert! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35
A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.
Listicle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:02
Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.
Doomscrolling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:34
Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.
Crowdsourcing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:34
Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.
One step at a time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:28
When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.