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
This podcast episode explores the expression "do the trick" and its meaning of finding a solution that solves a problem. The speakers provide examples of using this expression in different contexts and emphasize that it does not imply actual tricks or magic, but rather a simple and effective solution. They also discuss...
This podcast episode explores the concept of "beige flags," which are behaviors or habits that are strange or unusual but not necessarily negative or dangerous. They can make you pause and question compatibility or preferences. The episode also features an advertisement for the fashion brand Quince, highlighting its af...
This podcast episode explores the expression "lay it on thick," which means to exaggerate or praise someone or something excessively. The hosts, Beth and Feifei, provide examples of people "laying it on thick" in various situations, including excessive praise, criticism, and flattery.
This podcast episode covers a range of topics, including the side effects and contraindications of Juvederm, a dermal filler. It also introduces the expression "tell porkies," which means to tell lies, highlighting its slang and informal usage. Additionally, there is a promotional announcement for Mint Mobile, emphasiz...
This podcast episode explores the phrase "in on something" and its variations, which means to know about or be involved in something. The phrase can be used in both general and specific contexts, and it can also express a desire to be involved in something. It is often used with the verbs "let" or "get" when referring ...
This podcast episode explores the expression "walk someone through" and its various uses in the workplace and other contexts. It emphasizes the importance of breaking down tasks into smaller steps and explaining them carefully to ensure understanding. Additionally, the episode includes a commercial advertisement for Hu...
This podcast episode explores the meaning and usage of the phrase "brick by brick," which is often used to describe actions or processes that are carried out gradually and carefully. The phrase can be used metaphorically, such as building a business or dissecting an argument, and often suggests the result of hard work....
This podcast episode discusses the phrase "read the room," which means to be aware of the feelings and thoughts of those around you and to adjust your behavior accordingly. The speakers emphasize the importance of being sensitive to social cues and provide examples of individuals who fail to "read the room." They highl...
This podcast episode delves into the idiom "cook up an idea," highlighting the meticulous planning and effort involved in creating compelling concepts. By likening the process of generating ideas to cooking a meal, the speakers emphasize the combination of careful planning, patience, and creativity required for success...
This podcast episode delves into the meaning and usage of the expression "rinse, repeat," highlighting its significance in describing predictable and tiresome repetitive actions. The speakers provide diverse examples to illustrate this concept, ranging from daily routines, mundane tasks, and natural phenomena to the en...
This episode introduces the saying "a million to one." A million to one means something is extremely unlikely or almost certain. An example of likelihood is when the host states, "the chances of Charlotte being on time are a million to one." An example of certainty is, "the chances of Neil and Phil having eaten it all ...
This podcast episode discusses the meaning of "cash in on something" in the context of businesses exploiting opportunities for financial gain by capitalizing on market situations, trends, and demands. It highlights how businesses can benefit financially by identifying and utilizing such opportunities, using examples su...
This podcast episode delves into the idiom "make your hair stand on end," which illustrates reactions to frightening scenarios, such as confronting spiders, being at great heights, and others. It also delves into Juvederm Volux, a facial rejuvenation technique employed to alleviate indications of aging and enhance faci...
This podcast episode discusses the expression "on the go," which refers to being busy and active. The hosts of The English We Speak podcast share their personal experiences and provide examples of how they balance their various responsibilities. They also explain that "on the go" is often used with adverbs of frequency...
This podcast episode delves into the usage of the word "blow" in the English language, exploring various contexts where it can be used to convey disappointment, particularly when plans don't go as expected. The discussion also highlights the phrase "it blows" as a means of expressing annoyance, while emphasizing the ad...
This podcast episode explores the idiom "rear its head," which signifies the reemergence or occurrence of an undesirable situation or issue. Examples discussed include IT problems, health concerns, and economic challenges. The speakers stress the importance of prompt and effective action when faced with such situations...
This podcast episode delves into the expression "elbow grease," highlighting its significance in physical labor and emphasizing that hard work can lead to satisfaction. The hosts provide examples from cleaning to sports, exploring how elbow grease contributes to positive outcomes.
This podcast episode focuses on the phrase "bring something to the party," which is used to describe someone who contributes something valuable to a situation. It emphasizes the importance of offering expertise, qualifications, creativity, and diverse perspectives in various settings, such as discussions, negotiations,...
This podcast episode explores the expression "light up like a Christmas tree," which is used to describe a person's face when they are surprised and happy. The expression can also be used to describe excitement, such as when a child is told they can make a snowman, or a place that is particularly bright with lights, su...
This podcast episode explores the doubts and skepticism surrounding Beth's claim of juggling five balls and the speaker's claim of playing the trumpet, highlighting the expression "I don't buy it" as an indicator of disbelief.
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