Why the long face?

Why the long face?

Author: BBC Radio May 28, 2012 Duration: 3:08

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase Why the long face?


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
Cat got your tongue? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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There's a cat about and Feifei's not talking. Learn an expression that questions her quietness
It takes two to tango [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:26
Neil's doing a partner dance on his own in the studio to help you learn English. Learn an expression which means two people need to accept the blame for a bad situation
Knee-jerk reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08
Feifei kicks Neil in the face after he hits her knee with a hammer. It's all to teach you a useful English expression
To have an axe to grind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:39
An expression with three related but slightly different meanings connected to strong opinions
Close, but no cigar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03
Why is Neil trying to smoke a cigar in the studio? Learn an English expression about almost succeeding
Get somebody's goat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06
Neil's goat Fred is a bit smelly but useful for teaching an English expression. Feifei's not happy
Bust a gut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:10
Neil's wearing a vest in the studio to teach an expression about effort. Feifei's concerned he'll injure himself
Old-school [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19
Feifei has written a letter to her family. Find out why Sian finds this old-school
Shedloads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13
Sian has received lots of emails! Learn another way to say 'lots'
Hangry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14
Sian is irritable today because she skipped breakfast! Learn an adjective to describe people who feel angry when they get hungry