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

Nov 26, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Shoehorn something in
Learn an expression that means force something in somewhere that it doesn't quite fit
Nov 19, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: On the fly
Should you cook on the fly, or follow a recipe? Learn a phrase to talk about improvising.
Nov 12, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: That's on you
When someone tells you 'that's on you', they're telling you that it's your fault.
Nov 5, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Warts and all
An expression that means including all your imperfections.
Oct 29, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Off the scale
An expression that means goes far beyond what is expected.
Oct 22, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Throw one's toys out the pram
Here's an expression for someone's dramatic reaction when they don't get what they want.
Oct 15, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Makes my skin crawl
Here's an expression for when you're incredibly disgusted by something.
Oct 8, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: An uphill task
This is a phrase about something that needs energy and determination.
Sep 30, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Bide someone's time
Here's an expression about waiting patiently for an opportunity.
Sep 24, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: From the get-go
Here's an expression that means 'from the beginning'.
Sep 17, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Stomping ground
Here's an expression you can use about somewhere you live or visit very often.
Sep 10, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Tug at the heartstrings
Here's an expression for when something makes you feel strong emotions.
Sep 3, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Clutch at straws
Here's an expression you can use when you're in a desperate situation.
Aug 27, 2024 · 2 min
The English We Speak: Crank up
Here's an expression about increasing intensity.
Aug 20, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Find your groove
Learn an expression that means getting used to something.
Aug 13, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Top-notch
An expression that means something is very high quality.
Aug 6, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Off the cuff
An expression that means you say something without preparing first. Learn it here.
Jul 30, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Take the wheel
This expression is all about being in control.
Jul 23, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: The works
Learn a phrase that means 'everything'!
Jul 16, 2024 · 3 min
The English We Speak: Dip your toe into
Learn an expression about trying something new.

Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Shoehorn something in

The English We Speak: On the fly

The English We Speak: That's on you

The English We Speak: Warts and all

The English We Speak: Off the scale

The English We Speak: Throw one's toys out the pram

The English We Speak: Makes my skin crawl

The English We Speak: An uphill task

The English We Speak: Bide someone's time

The English We Speak: From the get-go

The English We Speak: Stomping ground

The English We Speak: Tug at the heartstrings

The English We Speak: Clutch at straws

The English We Speak: Crank up

The English We Speak: Find your groove

The English We Speak: Top-notch

The English We Speak: Off the cuff

The English We Speak: Take the wheel

The English We Speak: The works

The English We Speak: Dip your toe into