Learning English Conversations

Episoder

• The English We Speak: Passing Ships 14.07.2026 2min

  This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.Find a free transcript here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Understood the assignment 07.07.2026 2min

  This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Onto something 30.06.2026 2min

  Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Sell yourself short 23.06.2026 2min

  When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Wrap it up 16.06.2026 2min

  Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skillsSign up to our newsletter to never miss our updates and learning tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
• The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall 09.06.2026 2min

  Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260608. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame 02.06.2026 2min

  Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260601Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
• The English We Speak: Gatekeep 26.05.2026 3min

  Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: In over my head 19.05.2026 2min

  Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: A hunch 12.05.2026 2min

  Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programmeFor more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260511Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: Take it as a given 05.05.2026 2min

  There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260504Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: Think on your feet 28.04.2026 2min

  Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260427Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees 21.04.2026 3min

  This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260420Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
• The English We Speak: Yap 14.04.2026 3min

  "Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260413And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
• The English We Speak: Flow State 07.04.2026 3min

  When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260406And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
• The English We Speak: Got you 30.03.2026 2min

  If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260330And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
• The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch 24.03.2026 2min

  Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260323And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
• The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road 16.03.2026 2min

  Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei.TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316OFFICE ENGLISH: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-englishSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS?Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
• The English We Speak: Cut corners 10.03.2026 3min

  If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie.TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260309BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietySUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
• Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself 09.03.2026 9min

  It can be harder to express our personality in a foreign language because we have fewer language tools available and speaking anxiety can make it harder to let our personalities shine. Learn from experts about this topic and get tips on how to show your true self in English in the last episode of this special series. Don't forget, you can watch Georgie's explainer videos and see learners of English try different activities to improve their speaking confidence. Find them on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietyOffice English is back for a third series! Search for 'Learning English for Work' in your favourite podcast app, or find the episodes with free transcripts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-englishOur newsletter with our weekly highlights and language learning tips comes out every Wednesday. Make sure you're signed up! https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599