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Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or expression.

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.

Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.

And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.

Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English.

Find more at bbclearningenglish.com

Follow us at
bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Updated: weekly
Episodes available: indefinitely

Episodes to download

  •

    All over the shop

    Tue 16 May 2017

    The phrase about shops that isn't about shops

  • It comes with the territory

    Tue 9 May 2017

    Accept the situation!

  • It won't wash

    Tue 2 May 2017

    A dirty phrase

  • Jack-of-all-trades

    Tue 25 Apr 2017

    A multi-skilled phrase!

  • The coast is clear

    Tue 18 Apr 2017

    Nobody's watching!

  • Pull a fast one

    Tue 11 Apr 2017

    Make the English you speak sound more natural

  • Suck it and see

    Tue 4 Apr 2017

    You won鈥檛 know until you try

  • To cut your teeth

    Tue 28 Mar 2017

    Gaining new experience

  • Shrinkflation

    Tue 21 Mar 2017

    Getting less for your money

  • La-la land

    Tue 14 Mar 2017

    It's not Los Angeles!

  • A different kettle of fish

    Tue 7 Mar 2017

    Fishing for a phrase? This could be the one for you

  • At the drop of a hat

    Tue 28 Feb 2017

    Acting on impulse!

  • A close shave

    Tue 19 May 2015

    What's a razor got to do with Rob's bike ride to work? Here's an expression for when a...

  • My mind's gone blank

    Tue 12 May 2015

    Why did Rob ask Feifei to meet him in the studio? Here's an expression for when you've...

  • To sleep on it

    Tue 5 May 2015

    Find out how 'sleeping on it' doesn't just mean lying on a bed!

  • All over the place

    Tue 28 Apr 2015

    Neil can't find his script. His pen's gone missing. He's feeling a bit confused.

  • To go around the houses

    Tue 21 Apr 2015

    Feifei wants to borrow Rob's car but she takes a long time getting to the point.

  • Done and dusted

    Tue 14 Apr 2015

    When someone says the phrase 'done and dusted', do they mean doing some proper cleaning?

  • Chill pill

    Tue 7 Apr 2015

    It's hard to swallow but maybe it's time for a chill pill!

  • Put a sock in it!

    Tue 31 Mar 2015

    Why has Helen put a sock in the toaster and how is that going to keep her quiet?

  • A wild card

    Tue 24 Mar 2015

    Who's the wild card in the office? Rob and Feifei use a phrase to describe an...

  • To take a shot / stab in the dark

    Tue 17 Mar 2015

    Feifei thinks someone's been killed but then discovers taking a stab in the dark using...

  • To keep a lid on it

    Tue 10 Mar 2015

    Li and Neil go for a coffee, but why do they have to keep a lid on it?

  • To be on the ball

    Tue 3 Mar 2015

    Learn a phrase to describe the ability to react quickly to things.

  • Mind-blowing

    Tue 24 Feb 2015

    Feifei and Harry use an expression for things that amaze and astound.

  • Out for the count

    Tue 17 Feb 2015

    Neil and Li talk about how a boxing expression can be used in everyday life.

  • Game changer

    Tue 10 Feb 2015

    Feifei and Harry use an expression for people and ideas that change the way we do things.

  • Wow factor

    Tue 3 Feb 2015

    Harry and Feifei look at an expression for when things surprise and impress you.

  • Full on

    Tue 27 Jan 2015

    Harry and Feifei talk about a common colloquial expression for when things are intense.

  • Stab in the back

    Tue 20 Jan 2015

    Harry and Feifei talk about an expression that is not as violent as it sounds.

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