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BBC Radio ยท Education

Learning English Conversations

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

Episodes

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Productivity theatre

18 Jul 2023
2m
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This podcast episode sheds light on the concept of "productivity theatre", where individuals engage in actions that create the illusion of working hard but without actual productivity. The discussion includes examples such as sending emails while watching TV or online shopping during work hours. The speakers emphasize ...

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Pet hate

11 Jul 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the concept of "pet hates" and "pet peeves," capturing the personal dislikes and annoyances that vary among individuals. Common pet hates like loud public speakers, the elusive remote control, and nail-biting are discussed. The speakers highlight the subjective nature of pet hates and e...

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On the table

04 Jul 2023
2m
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This podcast episode defines the phrase "on the table" in a business context, where it signifies when someone offers a plan for consideration and discussion. It explains that this phrase indicates the availability of a suggestion or plan before a final decision and can be a part of negotiations.

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Jump through hoops

27 Jun 2023
2m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges individuals face when trying to achieve their goals and introduces the metaphor of "jumping through hoops" to represent the difficulties and unnecessary processes encountered. The conversation emphasizes the frustrations and complexities involved in reaching desired outcomes...

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It happens to the best of us

20 Jun 2023
2m
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This podcast episode explores the expression "it happens to the best of us" and its usage as a way to reassure someone who has made a mistake. The hosts provide examples of various situations and emphasize the commonality of making mistakes. The episode encourages people not to worry or feel bad about their mistakes an...

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Famous last words

13 Jun 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the meaning and uses of the phrase "famous last words," exploring situations where people say something they believe will occur only to be proven wrong, highlighting the ironic and amusing nature of the expression while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life and the value of stayi...

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Hard pass

06 Jun 2023
1m
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This podcast episode delves into the expression "hard pass," emphasizing its use as a firm rejection of something. It illustrates how "hard pass" signifies decisiveness and a strong unwillingness to change one's mind, using examples such as declining an invitation based on personal preferences. Understanding this expre...

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Level up

30 May 2023
2m
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This podcast episode thoroughly explores the phrasal verb "level up," which means improving something to match its standard or quality to something else. The discussion includes various contexts where this phrase can be applied, ranging from personal skills and economic development to education and everyday life, illus...

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Get with the programme

23 May 2023
2m
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This podcast episode explores the expression "get with the programme," which refers to accepting new ideas, modernizing views, and embracing new ways of doing things. The hosts discuss examples of accepting new reading habits and embracing popular book series, as well as using new technology at work and opting for sust...

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Shout-out

16 May 2023
2m
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This podcast episode highlights the advantages of LinkedIn Ads for B2B marketers, such as its ability to reach a vast audience of decision-makers and its targeting capabilities. It also discusses the significance of using "shout out" to acknowledge contributions and support in various contexts, including award ceremoni...

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Fitspiration

09 May 2023
2m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of "fitspiration," a portmanteau word combining "fit" and "inspiration." Fitspiration refers to the motivation to achieve one's fitness goals inspired by seeing others' fitness achievements. Examples of fitspiration can be influencers, fitness apps, or gym culture. The episode ...

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Hats off

02 May 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the effectiveness of LinkedIn advertising for businesses, particularly in the B2B marketing realm. The hosts underscore the platform's capability to target over 70 million decision-makers, enabling businesses to reach the right audience with their messages.

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Under your breath

25 Apr 2023
2m
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This podcast episode examines the idiom "under your breath" and its usage in different contexts, including expressing complaints or negative comments without being overheard, talking to oneself, or encouraging oneself. It also discusses the effectiveness of LinkedIn ads for B2B marketers, emphasizing their ability to t...

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Be at a loss

18 Apr 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the meaning of the expressions "at a loss" and "be at a loss," highlighting the sense of uncertainty and confusion in unfamiliar situations. It also discusses the effectiveness of LinkedIn Ads for B2B marketers, emphasizing the platform's targeting capabilities and the importance of rea...

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Go off on one

11 Apr 2023
1m
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This podcast episode discusses a surprise party gone wrong due to poor planning and lack of communication. Additionally, it introduces the expression "go off on one" to describe a sudden outburst of anger, providing several examples of its usage. Moreover, it introduces Juvederm Volux XC, a non-surgical injectable gel ...

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Wiggle room

04 Apr 2023
1m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of "wiggle room," a term used to describe the flexibility or leeway available in timetables or budgets. The hosts provide examples of how "wiggle room" is used in various contexts, such as marketing budgets, personal budgets, and salary negotiations.

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(It's the) story of my life

28 Mar 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the use of the idiom "It's the story of my life," illustrating how it expresses the recurrence of negative experiences. It also studies alternative interpretations of the idiom, highlighting its positive and negative connotations. Lastly, it introduces Juvederm Volux XC, a gel filler th...

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No ifs or buts

21 Mar 2023
2m
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This podcast episode delves into the phrase "no ifs or buts" and its implications. The phrase indicates an absence of negotiation, compromise, and excuses, emphasizing urgency and certainty. It can also imply the speaker's conviction and leave no room for doubt. However, the episode also includes an advertisement for B...

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Caught red-handed

14 Mar 2023
1m
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This podcast episode delves into the idiom "caught red-handed," which signifies the unequivocal discovery of someone's wrongdoing. It illustrates this concept through examples from daily life, showcasing the various consequences individuals face when being caught. Additionally, the episode introduces JUVIDERM VOLUX as ...

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Rabbit on

07 Mar 2023
1m
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This podcast episode introduces the phrase "to rabbit on" which means talking excessively and boringly. It explores the origin of the phrase and provides real-life examples. The episode also promotes Juvederm Volux XC, a non-surgical injectable gel filler that improves moderate to severe loss of jawline definition.

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