Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio

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

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818 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes818

Newest first

Dec 16, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Moment of truth
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. .
Dec 9, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: On their toes
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything.
Dec 2, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Duck out
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.
Nov 25, 2025 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Off base
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality.
Nov 18, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them.
Nov 11, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: No two ways about it
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true.
Nov 10, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: -coded
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn what 'coded' means here.
Oct 27, 2025 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.
Oct 21, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: -core
This expression describes the vibe of something. Learn it here!
Oct 14, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Cook
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well.
Oct 7, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Neck of the woods
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live
Sep 30, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Teething problems
Teething problems are issues that you have when you’re getting used to something new
Sep 23, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: No leg to stand on
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak
Sep 16, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Speak someone's language
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.
Sep 9, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Ate
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.
Sep 2, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Muddle along
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.
Aug 26, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Tough it out
When you face a difficult time, you can tough it out.
Aug 19, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: A you problem
Don't know this expression? That sounds like a you problem.
Aug 12, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it
Use this when you can't quite remember something
Aug 5, 2025 · 2 min
The English We Speak: All hands on deck
This phrase comes from a boating context. Learn how to use it here.

Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Moment of truth

The English We Speak: On their toes

The English We Speak: Duck out

The English We Speak: Off base

The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing

The English We Speak: No two ways about it

The English We Speak: -coded

The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something

The English We Speak: -core

The English We Speak: Cook

The English We Speak: Neck of the woods

The English We Speak: Teething problems

The English We Speak: No leg to stand on

The English We Speak: Speak someone's language

The English We Speak: Ate

The English We Speak: Muddle along

The English We Speak: Tough it out

The English We Speak: A you problem

The English We Speak: Can't put my finger on it

The English We Speak: All hands on deck