
Learning English Conversations
BBC
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
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Episodes
The English We Speak: Hot on the heels
1/20/2026
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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(Photo: Getty)
Duration:00:02:36
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 1. I’m scared of making mistakes
1/19/2026
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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Duration:00:11:26
The English We Speak: Aura farming
1/13/2026
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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(Photo: Getty)
Duration:00:02:59
The English We Speak: Lock in
1/6/2026
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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(Photo: Getty)
Duration:00:02:37
The English We Speak: A fresh start
12/30/2025
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
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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(Photo: Getty)
Duration:00:02:36
The English We Speak: A little something
12/23/2025
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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They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
(Photo: Getty)
Duration:00:02:48
The English We Speak: Moment of truth
12/16/2025
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
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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LIKE 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.
Duration:00:02:36
The English We Speak: On their toes
12/9/2025
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251208
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Duration:00:02:39
The English We Speak: Duck out
12/2/2025
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251201
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Duration:00:02:27
The English We Speak: Off base
11/25/2025
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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Duration:00:03:09
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
11/18/2025
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.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251117
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Duration:00:02:50
The English We Speak: No two ways about it
11/11/2025
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.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251110
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Duration:00:02:24
The English We Speak: -coded
11/10/2025
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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Duration:00:02:59
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
10/27/2025
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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Duration:00:03:00
The English We Speak: -core
10/21/2025
This expression describes the vibe of something.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251020 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
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Duration:00:02:36
The English We Speak: Cook
10/14/2025
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. 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-251013 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
Duration:00:02:23
The English We Speak: Neck of the woods
10/7/2025
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-251007
Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
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Duration:00:02:15
The English We Speak: Teething problems
9/30/2025
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
Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
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Duration:00:02:42
The English We Speak: No leg to stand on
9/23/2025
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250922 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
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Duration:00:02:58
The English We Speak: Speak someone's language
9/16/2025
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250915 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English for Work ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories
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Duration:00:02:42