Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Learning English Conversations

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

Radio,464 episodes

Episodes

ListGrid

The English We Speak: Lock in
This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here!
06 Jan 2026,2 mins
The English We Speak: A fresh start
A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start.
30 Dec 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: A little something
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.
23 Dec 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Moment of truth
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. .
16 Dec 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: On their toes
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything.
09 Dec 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Duck out
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.
02 Dec 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Off base
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality.
25 Nov 2025,3 mins
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them.
18 Nov 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: No two ways about it
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true.
11 Nov 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: -coded
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn what 'coded' means here.
10 Nov 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.
27 Oct 2025,3 mins
The English We Speak: -core
This expression describes the vibe of something. Learn it here!
21 Oct 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Cook
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well.
14 Oct 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Neck of the woods
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live
07 Oct 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Teething problems
Teething problems are issues that you have when you’re getting used to something new
30 Sep 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: No leg to stand on
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak
23 Sep 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Speak someone's language
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.
16 Sep 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Ate
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.
09 Sep 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Muddle along
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.
02 Sep 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Tough it out
When you face a difficult time, you can tough it out.
26 Aug 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: A you problem
Don't know this expression? That sounds like a you problem.
19 Aug 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it
Use this when you can't quite remember something
12 Aug 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: All hands on deck
This phrase comes from a boating context. Learn how to use it here.
05 Aug 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: The CEO of...
This expression is a funny or silly way of saying someone is the best at something.
29 Jul 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Up to my eyes in
An expression meaning you’re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming.
22 Jul 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Dabble in
Here's an expression that talks about doing something for fun
15 Jul 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Rope someone in
This phrasal verb is about persuading someone to do something. Learn it here.
08 Jul 2025,3 mins
The English We Speak: Scratch the surface
This phrase is about dealing with only a small part of something. Learn it here
01 Jul 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Step into the shoes
Learn an expression about responsibility
24 Jun 2025,2 mins
The English We Speak: Drop
An expression meaning something exciting like a song or TV show is released
17 Jun 2025,2 mins