Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier.
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The English We Speak: Hot on the heels
This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260119
TRY BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 1. I?m scared of making mistakes
Do you get anxious when speaking English? You?re not alone.
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how to increase your confidence speaking English, even when you make mistakes.
With professor of Chinese Han Luo and speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast
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The English We Speak: Aura farming
Learn this expression which means do something for attention or praise.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260112
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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The English We Speak: Lock in
This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here!
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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The English We Speak: A fresh start
A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251229
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The English We Speak: A little something
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251222
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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The English We Speak: Moment of truth
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251215
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The English We Speak: On their toes
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.
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The English We Speak: Duck out
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.
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The English We Speak: Off base
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251124
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The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
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The English We Speak: No two ways about it
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
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The English We Speak: -coded
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103
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The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.
TRY THE READING ROOM: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251027
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The English We Speak: -core
This expression describes the vibe of something.
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The English We Speak: Cook
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. Learn it here.
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The English We Speak: Neck of the woods
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it 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-251006
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The English We Speak: Teething problems
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
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The English We Speak: No leg to stand on
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak.
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The English We Speak: Speak someone's language
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.
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The English We Speak: Ate
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.
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The English We Speak: Muddle along
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.
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The English We Speak: Tough it out
When you face a difficult time, you can tough it out.
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The English We Speak: A you problem
Don't know this expression? That sounds like a you problem. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250818
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The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it
I know I recognise you, but I can't quite put my finger on where we met. Learn how to use this phrase with Georgie and Feifei.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250811
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The English We Speak: All hands on deck
This phrase comes from a boating context. Learn how to use it here.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250804
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The English We Speak: The CEO of...
This expression is a funny or silly way of saying someone is the best at something. Learn it here.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250728
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The English We Speak: Up to my eyes in
An expression meaning you?re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250721
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The English We Speak: Dabble in
Here's an expression that talks about doing something for fun. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250714
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The English We Speak: Rope someone in
This phrasal verb is about persuading someone to do something. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250707
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The English We Speak: Scratch the surface
This phrase is about dealing with only a small part of something. Learn how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250630
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The English We Speak: Step into the shoes
Learn an expression about responsibility.
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TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Drop
An expression meaning something exciting like a song or TV show is released. Learn it here.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250616
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The English We Speak: All you like
An expression meaning whatever you say or do won't change the situation.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250609
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The English We Speak: Around the clock
An expression used to talk about time. Learn it here!
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TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Have in your locker
An expression that talks about something extra you have.
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TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Come full circle
An expression meaning to return to where you started, but in a positive way.
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TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Grind someone's gears
Use this expression when something really annoys you.
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TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Feel seen
An expression meaning your experiences or feelings are represented. Learn it here.
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TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250505
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The English We Speak: It's giving
An expression meaning something has a certain energy or vibe.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250428
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The English We Speak: Dial down
Here's an expression we use to talk about reducing the intensity of something.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250421
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The English We Speak: The name of the game
Learn an expression to talk about the most important aspect of something.
TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Do it for the plot
An expression for when you make spontaneous life decisions for entertainment.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250407
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The English We Speak: Let something slide
You're late! I'll let it slide just this once... This phrase has two meanings. Learn them and hear some examples in this episode.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250331
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The English We Speak: Twist someone's arm
What does it mean to 'twist someone's arm'?
TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Have someone on
This means making someone believe something that isn't true, but in a jokey way. Learn how to use this expression here.
TRANSCRIPT
Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250317
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The English We Speak: Can-do attitude
If you have a can-do attitude, you don't let anything stop you.
TRANSCRIPT
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The English We Speak: Go to
Your 'go-to' is your preferred option. Learn how to use this phrase.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250303
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The English We Speak: Skedaddle
Do you need to skedaddle? Leave somewhere in a hurry? Learn this expression.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250224
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My Song, My Home: Adam in Ipswich
Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us about their home town and performs a song to help you learn.
Today, we meet musician Adam, who performs for us in Ipswich town centre.
WATCH ADAM PERFORM: Find a video of Adam's song on our website https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/my-song-my-home/episode5-video
WORKSHEET: Find a full transcript, song lyrics and test what you?ve learned https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/my-song-my-home/episode5-podcast
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