About
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
The English We Speak Podcast
English, Education, 1 season, 323 episodes, 13 hours, 30 minutes
The English We Speak Podcast
English, Education, 1 season, 323 episodes, 13 hours, 30 minutes
A million to one
Here's an expression to say something is extremely unlikely
2/20/2024 • 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Cash in on something
Learn a phrase about making money.
2/13/2024 • 1 minute, 55 seconds
Make your hair stand on end
Here’s a phrase about things that scare you. Learn how to use it in this programme.
2/6/2024 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
On the go
A phrase to describe how busy you are
1/30/2024 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
A blow
What a blow! It's so disappointing. Learn how to use this with us
1/22/2024 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Rears its head
Want to talk about problems? Here's a useful phrase
1/16/2024 • 1 minute, 55 seconds
Elbow grease
Some things just need a little elbow grease. Learn what that is in this programme.
1/8/2024 • 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Bring something to the party
You want to say that you can offer a lot. Learn a phrase for this.
1/2/2024 • 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Light up like a Christmas tree
Has something suddenly made you look very happy? Learn an expression for this.
12/26/2023 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
I don't buy it
Here's an expression you can use to say 'I don't believe you'
12/19/2023 • 1 minute, 59 seconds
Touch grass
Do you spend too much time online? Here's an expression you can use to say 'take a break'.
12/12/2023 • 2 minutes, 30 seconds
I'm out
Sometimes you need to say you don't have anything left. Learn 'I'm out'.
12/5/2023 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
Plan b
If you need an alternative option, you need to know this phrase. Learn how to use it.
11/28/2023 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Sound out
Sometimes you just want to find out what someone else thinks.
11/21/2023 • 2 minutes, 29 seconds
Fly by night
When companies or people can't be trusted, use this expression.
11/14/2023 • 2 minutes, 11 seconds
One-up
Do you want to beat your friends by saying what you have done that is better than them?
11/14/2023 • 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Tread on someone's toes
It can be annoying when someone does something you were supposed to do.
10/31/2023 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Mental gymnastics
How do we talk about complicated tasks done by your brain?
10/24/2023 • 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Call dibs
If you want to get the last slice of pizza, what can you say?
10/17/2023 • 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Run for the hills
What makes you want to run for the hills?
10/10/2023 • 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Each to their own
How do you feel when someone does something that you would never do, but it's OK?
9/26/2023 • 1 minute, 40 seconds
Fill your boots
If you are presented with an opportunity, how can you tell some to take advantage?
9/19/2023 • 1 minute, 57 seconds
Join the club
How to tell someone that the bad situation they are experiencing is the same as yours.
9/12/2023 • 2 minutes, 1 second
Go with the flow
Learn a phrase to say that you are happy to do what other want to do
9/5/2023 • 2 minutes, 16 seconds
Cakeism
Learn a phrase about wanting to have two good things at the same time.
8/29/2023 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Drip feed
Learn a phrase about giving information little by little.
8/22/2023 • 2 minutes, 2 seconds
Scatterbrain
Learn about this word that describes someone disorganised or forgetful.
8/15/2023 • 1 minute, 56 seconds
Be in with a shout
Learn a phrase for winning!
8/8/2023 • 2 minutes, 24 seconds
On point
A phrase all about being perfect!
8/8/2023 • 1 minute, 49 seconds
Kiss something goodbye
An expression with 'kiss' that's not about kissing!
7/25/2023 • 1 minute, 56 seconds
Productivity theatre
Learn a phrase about pretending to work.
7/18/2023 • 2 minutes, 26 seconds
Pet hate
Learn how to describe your annoyance
7/11/2023 • 2 minutes, 37 seconds
On the table
Learn a phrase often used in business.
7/4/2023 • 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Jump through hoops
Learn a phrase about the challenge of getting something done.
6/27/2023 • 2 minutes, 35 seconds
It happens to the best of us
When someone makes a mistake, learn what to say to make them feel better.
6/20/2023 • 2 minutes, 1 second
Famous last words
A phrase about telling someone they'll be wrong.
6/13/2023 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
Hard pass
Learn a phrase about saying 'no' firmly.
6/6/2023 • 1 minute, 58 seconds
Level up
'Level up' your English and learn a new word!
5/30/2023 • 2 minutes, 13 seconds
Get with the programme
Learn an idiom used to encourage someone to accept new ideas or techniques.
5/23/2023 • 2 minutes, 5 seconds
Shout-out
Learn how to praise or thank someone publicly.
5/16/2023 • 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Fitspiration
Get fit with this new word!
5/9/2023 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Hats off
Learn a phrase about impressing people.
5/2/2023 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
Under your breath
Make sure you're heard with this expression.
4/25/2023 • 2 minutes, 44 seconds
Be at a loss
Learn an expression for when you're not sure what to say or do in a certain situation.
4/18/2023 • 2 minutes, 8 seconds
Go off on one
Learn an informal expression about becoming suddenly very angry.
4/11/2023 • 1 minute, 52 seconds
Wiggle room
Learn a phrase for when you need to change a budget to do something else.
4/4/2023 • 1 minute, 54 seconds
(It's the) story of my life
Learn a phrase you can use to describe a bad situation.
3/28/2023 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
No ifs or buts
Stop making excuses and learn this expression!
3/21/2023 • 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Caught red-handed
Learn an expression about being caught doing something wrong.
3/14/2023 • 1 minute, 59 seconds
Rabbit on
Learn a phrase about talking too much.
3/7/2023 • 1 minute, 55 seconds
Thanks a bunch
When does ‘thanks’ not mean ‘thanks’? Find out about an ironic English phrase.
2/28/2023 • 2 minutes, 12 seconds
Slow walk
How do you describe something making slow progress?
2/21/2023 • 1 minute, 55 seconds
Take something to heart
Learn a phrase about taking advice or criticism personally and very seriously.
2/14/2023 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Take something to heart
If someone takes something to heart, what does it mean?
2/13/2023 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Know the score
Learn a phrase about understanding the situation.
2/7/2023 • 2 minutes, 16 seconds
Jog your memory
Learn a phrase about remembering.
1/31/2023 • 2 minutes, 8 seconds
A flying start
Learn an expression we use to say a new task is going very well.
1/24/2023 • 2 minutes, 13 seconds
Steal someone's thunder
If you get more attention than someone else, what are you doing? Here's a useful phrase!
1/17/2023 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Call it a day
A phrase about doing enough
1/9/2023 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
Off the top of my head
When you don’t have the facts and figures at hand, you have to make a quick guess.
1/3/2023 • 2 minutes, 9 seconds
Change for the better
Do you want to make a positive change for 2023? We have an expression for you to learn.
12/23/2022 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
The gift that keeps on giving
Learn a phrase about receiving presents.
12/20/2022 • 2 minutes, 25 seconds
Quiet quitting
Learn a phrase about just doing enough.
12/13/2022 • 2 minutes, 20 seconds
Hang in there
Times can be challenging but don’t give up. We have a phrase to spur you on.
12/6/2022 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
Bite your tongue
What does ‘bite your tongue’ mean?
11/29/2022 • 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Win hands down
An easy phrase for an easy win!
11/22/2022 • 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Fever pitch
The men’s football World Cup is coming, and excitement has reached fever pitch!
11/15/2022 • 1 minute, 44 seconds
Twiddle your thumbs
A phrase for boring times.
11/8/2022 • 1 minute, 44 seconds
Get your act together
A phrase about good organisation.
11/8/2022 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Dog's dinner
Learn this phrase to describe a complete mess.
10/25/2022 • 2 minutes, 1 second
Sitting pretty
Learn a phrase to describe a good situation.
10/18/2022 • 2 minutes, 16 seconds
Feast your eyes
Sometimes you can be amazed at what you see. Learn an expression for these moments.
10/11/2022 • 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Put the brakes on
Learn a phrase about stopping or slowing down an activity.
10/4/2022 • 2 minutes, 2 seconds
Second-guess
If you don't know what's going to happen next, you have to guess.
9/26/2022 • 1 minute, 56 seconds
Ins and outs
Learn about a new expression and why Feifei gets a shock!
9/20/2022 • 2 minutes, 13 seconds
Yes and no
Not all answers in life are 'yes' or 'no'. Learn why with this phrase.
9/13/2022 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
Eat your words
Learn a phrase about being wrong.
9/13/2022 • 2 minutes, 29 seconds
Bug someone
Sometimes people or things just annoy you. Learn a phrase about this.
9/13/2022 • 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Willy-nilly
Learn an informal expression about doing things without planning.
8/23/2022 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
Willy-nilly
A random phrase
8/22/2022 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
Gnarly
Do you find something disgusting? Use this word to describe it.
8/16/2022 • 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Smash it
Learn a phrase to give encouragement
8/9/2022 • 2 minutes, 20 seconds
A doddle
Is this phrase easy to learn?
8/2/2022 • 1 minute, 38 seconds
It’s now or never
Learn how to use ‘it’s now or never’
7/26/2022 • 2 minutes, 4 seconds
Happy days
Learn a phrase to use when you hear good news.
7/19/2022 • 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Double down
Learn a phrase about extra effort.
7/12/2022 • 2 minutes
Game face
Learn an expression about determination.
7/5/2022 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
Bitten by the bug
Learn a phrase about becoming interested and excited in doing something.
6/28/2022 • 2 minutes, 9 seconds
It escapes me
A phrase about forgetting something
6/21/2022 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Onboarding
Starting a new job means becoming familiar with new duties!
6/13/2022 • 1 minute, 53 seconds
Thereby hangs a tale
When there is more to say....
6/6/2022 • 2 minutes, 12 seconds
The royal treatment
Are you ready to feel like a king or a queen?
5/31/2022 • 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Tell me about it
Sometimes people say something that you can’t help but agree with. Learn a new phrase.
5/24/2022 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
Creatively bankrupt
Do you ever feel like your creativity just vanishes? Here's a phrase for that situation.
5/17/2022 • 2 minutes, 58 seconds
As if
A phrase to use when someone says something that is ridiculous or blatantly untrue.
5/10/2022 • 3 minutes, 3 seconds
Bad hair day
How are you looking today? Could you be having a bad hair day?
5/4/2022 • 1 minute, 54 seconds
'Ish' - The English We Speak
Make the English you speak sound more natural
5/3/2022 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Promises, promises
Learn a new expression about not believing someone’s promises.
4/19/2022 • 2 minutes, 12 seconds
Not see hide nor hair
Sometimes it’s impossible to find someone. Here's a phrase to use in this situation.
4/12/2022 • 2 minutes, 7 seconds
A curate's egg
Learn an odd expression which means something is a little good but mainly bad
4/5/2022 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
That'll be the day
Learn a phrase about things that are unlikely to happen.
3/29/2022 • 2 minutes, 29 seconds
Gathering dust
What’s gathering dust in your house?
3/22/2022 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Easier said than done
Talking about doing things can be easy, but doing them can be a bit more complicated.
3/15/2022 • 2 minutes, 12 seconds
The plot thickens
A phrase for when a situation becomes more mysterious.
3/8/2022 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
All at sea
Discover more about this nautical phrase in The English We Speak.
3/1/2022 • 2 minutes, 9 seconds
Don't mind me
If you want tell someone to ignore what you’re doing, what can you say?
2/22/2022 • 2 minutes, 2 seconds
Cramp my style
Who’s cramping your style?
2/15/2022 • 2 minutes, 26 seconds
You couldn't make it up
Learn an expression for unbelievable events.
2/8/2022 • 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Cool cat
Do you know someone who is really hip and trendy?
2/1/2022 • 2 minutes, 43 seconds
There's nothing to it
Sometimes we do things that are simple. Learn an 'easy' phrase to describe this.
1/25/2022 • 2 minutes, 13 seconds
As sick as a parrot
Learn a phrase about disappointment.
1/18/2022 • 1 minute, 49 seconds
Eke out
We have the perfect phrase to describe making the most of what you’ve got left.
1/13/2022 • 1 minute, 50 seconds
Say no more
Learn a phrase about understanding someone.
1/4/2022 • 1 minute, 56 seconds
Scrub up well
Learn a phrase about making a special effort to dress smartly.
12/28/2021 • 1 minute, 54 seconds
You shouldn't have
Learn a phrase to show surprise when receiving a gift
12/21/2021 • 2 minutes, 5 seconds
Not looking too clever
If someone’s 'not looking too clever', are we doubting their intelligence?
12/14/2021 • 2 minutes, 5 seconds
Not like the sound of something
Don't like what you hear? Say it with this expression!
12/7/2021 • 1 minute, 55 seconds
I'll give you that
Learn what to say when you agree with someone about some or all of what they said.
11/30/2021 • 2 minutes
Another string to your bow
Learn a phrase about having an additional skill.
11/23/2021 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Clap back
When someone criticises something you’ve done, what do you do?
11/16/2021 • 1 minute, 58 seconds
Talk through your hat
Learn a phrase about talking nonsense.
11/9/2021 • 1 minute, 53 seconds
Quote ... unquote
An expression for when we want to repeat exactly what someone has said.
11/2/2021 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Not a patch on something
Learn an expression for when something is far worse than something else.
10/26/2021 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
No cap
Do you know someone who always tells the truth?
10/19/2021 • 2 minutes, 18 seconds
Moreish
An expression you can use to talk food you can't resist.
10/12/2021 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
A legend in one's lifetime
Do you know a famous living person? Here’s a phrase to describe them.
10/4/2021 • 2 minutes, 18 seconds
Live rent-free in one's head
What or who do you think about all the time?
9/28/2021 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Now you're talking
Learn how to show that you like someone’s idea.
9/21/2021 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Hits different
Here’s the expression you can use to talk about something special.
9/14/2021 • 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Extra
Learn an expression to describe how exaggerated some people are.
9/7/2021 • 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Zhuzh
Do you want to make something more interesting by changing it slightly?
8/31/2021 • 2 minutes, 8 seconds
Lo and behold
Learn an expression to introduce a surprising part of a story.
8/24/2021 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Bigwig
Here’s an expression to describe an important and powerful person.
8/17/2021 • 2 minutes, 4 seconds
Cringe
A word for when you want to say that something is really embarrassing.
8/10/2021 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
It’s the … for me
Learn an expression to talk about why you love or hate something.
8/5/2021 • 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Obvs
Some things are obvious but maybe this word isn’t. Listen to the programme.
7/27/2021 • 1 minute, 40 seconds
Down / Up for something
If there is something you are interested in doing now, we have an expression for you.
7/20/2021 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Savage
Learn a new meaning of the word 'savage'.
7/13/2021 • 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Lit
Learn an informal word to say something is amazing.
7/6/2021 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
Yikes!
Learn an informal word to express shock.
6/29/2021 • 2 minutes, 11 seconds
YOLO
Do you live for the moment?
6/22/2021 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
Vibe
If you want to say something has a good aura, we have an expression you can use.
6/15/2021 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Noob
Do you know what to call someone who’s new to something or very inexperienced?
6/8/2021 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Adulting
Learn a word to describe behaving like an adult.
6/1/2021 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
Push back
Learn a phrase about delaying things.
5/18/2021 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
The CEO of
If you want to say you’re the best at something, you could use this expression!
5/11/2021 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Zip it!
We all like to talk, but some people don’t know when to stop.
5/4/2021 • 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Botch job
What do you call a job badly done?
4/27/2021 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
It slaps!
What do you think is absolutely amazing?
4/20/2021 • 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Have a lot of plates spinning
A phrase about having a lot of things to do.
4/13/2021 • 2 minutes, 29 seconds
Pizzazz
Do a lot of people remark on how glamorous you are?
4/6/2021 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
Oomph
A word to describe someone with charm and energy!
3/30/2021 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
Snap up
If you snap up something, you get it quickly or immediately and usually with enthusiasm.
3/23/2021 • 2 minutes, 21 seconds
Nothingburger
Describing something insignificant
3/16/2021 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Awesomesauce
Learn a new informal word to describe something amazing.
3/9/2021 • 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Clout
Learn an expression about having influence.
3/2/2021 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
GOAT
'GOAT' is used to talk about things or people that we think are the best.
2/23/2021 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Workation
'Workation' is a combination of the words 'work' and 'vacation'.
2/16/2021 • 2 minutes, 59 seconds
Moonshot
Learn an expression used to describe an experimental project.
2/9/2021 • 2 minutes, 57 seconds
Slap-bang
Learn a phrase to describe an exact position.
2/2/2021 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Sadfishing
A word used when someone exaggerates their emotional problems to get attention.
1/26/2021 • 2 minutes, 50 seconds
Mic drop
Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.
1/19/2021 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
Tone deaf
Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...
1/12/2021 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
'A' game
Sometimes people need to be on top form and do their best work.
1/5/2021 • 2 minutes, 39 seconds
Frontliner
We describe nurses and doctors who have been working on the frontline
12/28/2020 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
On fleek
From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.
12/15/2020 • 2 minutes, 29 seconds
Contact tracing
Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.
12/8/2020 • 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Key worker
Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
12/1/2020 • 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Sharenting
Don't share too many photos of your children!
11/24/2020 • 2 minutes, 57 seconds
Plastic footprint
It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.
11/17/2020 • 2 minutes, 51 seconds
Spoiler alert!
A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.
11/10/2020 • 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Listicle
Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.
11/2/2020 • 3 minutes, 2 seconds
Doomscrolling
Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.
10/27/2020 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Crowdsourcing
Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.
10/20/2020 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
One step at a time
When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.
10/13/2020 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Bog-standard
How do you describe something that is standard, ordinary and nothing special?
10/6/2020 • 2 minutes, 22 seconds
A wake-up call
Learn this expression: it's a warning sign!
9/29/2020 • 2 minutes, 50 seconds
Climate emergency
Find out more about this expression and learn things you can do to help the planet.
9/22/2020 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Thirsty
A word for social media attention-seekers!
9/15/2020 • 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Vanilla
Learn a word that can be used to describe something that is basic or bland.
9/8/2020 • 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Roast
Learn the other meaning of the word 'roast'.
9/1/2020 • 2 minutes, 40 seconds
Sticking point
A 'sticking point' is an issue or a problem in a negotiation that blocks an agreement.
8/25/2020 • 2 minutes, 51 seconds
Flatten the curve
Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic.
8/18/2020 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Living in a bubble
Do you know someone who's a bit sheltered from the problems of the world?
8/11/2020 • 2 minutes, 18 seconds
Cancelled
Learn the new meaning of the word 'cancelled'.
8/4/2020 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
New normal
Learn a new expression that describes our new way of life.
7/28/2020 • 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Slippery slope
Learn how to describe a situation that is getting worse and might end in disaster.
7/21/2020 • 2 minutes, 25 seconds
Throw shade
Learn an expression about criticism.
7/14/2020 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
Bite the bullet
Learn an English expression with bite!
7/7/2020 • 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Blended working
A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.
6/30/2020 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
JOMO
Have you ever felt like turning off your phone and not doing something social?
6/23/2020 • 2 minutes, 31 seconds
Furlough
Not a new word, but it’s more commonly used recently due to the coronavirus crisis.
6/16/2020 • 2 minutes, 58 seconds
Spill the tea
Are you a gossip? You'll love this expression.
6/9/2020 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Flexing
What word can you use to describe people who show off? Find out with Roy and Feifei.
6/2/2020 • 3 minutes, 8 seconds
Salty
Why are people saying 'salty'? Find out with Feifei and Roy.
5/26/2020 • 3 minutes, 42 seconds
Skeleton crew
An expression for when there aren't many people working.
5/19/2020 • 3 minutes, 5 seconds
Lowkey
A word used to describe something you love doing, but are embarrassed to tell people.
5/12/2020 • 3 minutes, 38 seconds
Live for something
Learn a phrase for things that excite you!
5/5/2020 • 3 minutes, 37 seconds
Cabin fever
Some people suffer from this experience.Find out what it means.
4/28/2020 • 4 minutes, 6 seconds
Bang on about something
Do you know someone who talks about something so much that it gets annoying?
4/21/2020 • 3 minutes, 8 seconds
Fire
Everyone knows what fire is, don't they? Think again! Roy and Feifei teach a new meaning.
4/14/2020 • 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Running on fumes
What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!
4/7/2020 • 2 minutes, 56 seconds
Sheeple
Follow the crowd and learn a new English expression!
3/31/2020 • 2 minutes, 25 seconds
Hater
Learn a phrase to describe a negative attitude.
3/17/2020 • 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Talk shop
If you have to talk about work even when you’re not doing it, this is the phrase for you!
3/10/2020 • 2 minutes, 31 seconds
Snackable
Learn an expression to describe short online content that you can snack on!
3/3/2020 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
A memory like a sieve
Are you forgetful? This expression is for you!
2/25/2020 • 3 minutes, 6 seconds
Nomophobia
Got a fear of not using your mobile phone? Here's how to describe your condition.
2/18/2020 • 2 minutes, 47 seconds
Peacocking
Rob and Feifei explain the true meaning of this animal-related phrase.
2/11/2020 • 2 minutes, 44 seconds
Kick into the long grass
If you want to delay doing something, where do you kick it?! We have the answer here.
2/4/2020 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
Rat race
The Year of the Rat is here – so Neil has decided to dedicate his life to work.
1/28/2020 • 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Microworker
What's a 'microworker'? May be you are one!
1/21/2020 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Serial returner
Learn a phrase about exchanging clothes.
1/14/2020 • 2 minutes, 55 seconds
Talk the talk
Neil can talk the talk, but does he know what he's talking about?
1/7/2020 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Out with the old, in with the new
As 2020 approaches, learn a phrase to describe what you can do at this time of year.
12/30/2019 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
The more the merrier
It’s Christmas and time to party. Learn a phrase that means more people equals more fun!
12/23/2019 • 3 minutes, 26 seconds
Take one for the team
Are you the kind of person who makes sacrifices for others?
12/17/2019 • 2 minutes, 13 seconds
Mind your Ps and Qs
Learn an English expression about being polite.
12/10/2019 • 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Dad dancing
Swing those arms, shake those hips! Is this the latest dance trend?
12/3/2019 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
Big data
‘Big data’ is a hot term these days, but do you know what it means? Learn here.
11/26/2019 • 3 minutes, 9 seconds
Punch above your weight
It sounds violent, but this phrase might surprise you!
11/19/2019 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Social media influencer
You know all about social media, but ... what is a social media influencer? Learn here.
11/12/2019 • 2 minutes, 58 seconds
Goldilocks
A fairy tale with a new meaning
11/5/2019 • 3 minutes, 2 seconds
Ghosting
Is someone ignoring all of your calls and messages? Maybe you are being ghosted!
10/29/2019 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
Slow TV
Learn about the TV trend that urges you to relax, slow down and chill out.
10/22/2019 • 3 minutes
Tiger mother
Trying to help your kids succeed in life? These mothers have a strong idea of what to do!
10/15/2019 • 2 minutes, 49 seconds
Buzzkill
A phrase for when something spoils your fun.
10/8/2019 • 3 minutes, 6 seconds
Buyer's remorse
Have you ever regretted an expensive purchase? This is the phrase for you!
10/1/2019 • 2 minutes, 51 seconds
Freecycle
When you don't want to sell, freecycle! Learn what it means.
9/24/2019 • 2 minutes, 49 seconds
Carbon footprint
Love to travel but worried about the environment? Here's a phrase for you to use.
9/17/2019 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
To cough up
When is a cough not a cough? We teach you a money-related phrase.
9/10/2019 • 3 minutes, 1 second
Brain fade
We teach you a phrase that's worth remembering!
9/3/2019 • 2 minutes, 37 seconds
Fib
We won’t teach you to lie, but you will learn how to use the word ‘fib’.
8/27/2019 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
Hot under the collar
Cool off and learn this phrase with us.
8/20/2019 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Eat your heart out
Learn a humorous phrase about being the best!
8/13/2019 • 3 minutes, 11 seconds
Across
When is 'across' not a preposition?
8/6/2019 • 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Fat chance
Learn an expression about likelihood.
7/30/2019 • 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Milk it
A phrase about taking advantage of a situation to gain sympathy or respect
7/23/2019 • 2 minutes, 46 seconds
To cherry-pick
We’ve picked the best phrase for you to learn!
7/16/2019 • 3 minutes, 6 seconds
To fight tooth and nail
Learn a phrase about working hard to get just what you want.
7/9/2019 • 3 minutes, 5 seconds
It's a small world
Learn an expression about coincidences.
7/2/2019 • 2 minutes, 37 seconds
Vanish into thin air
Learn an expression about disappearing
6/25/2019 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
Get the short straw
A phrase that sucks!
6/18/2019 • 3 minutes, 4 seconds
Soft skills
These are job skills needed to deal with the public, and very much in demand.
6/11/2019 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Clever clogs
Will wearing new shoes make Feifei more intelligent? Join her and Rob in this programme.
5/28/2019 • 2 minutes, 44 seconds
Couch surfing
Looking for a sofa to sleep on? Learn a phrase to describe your actions.
5/21/2019 • 2 minutes, 58 seconds
Like riding a bike
Learn an English expression about skills we never forget.
5/14/2019 • 2 minutes, 47 seconds
On fire
Can you be on fire without any flames?
5/7/2019 • 2 minutes, 59 seconds
Dead
If something is 'dead good' is that a positive or negative thing?
4/23/2019 • 3 minutes, 8 seconds
Give someone the runaround
A phrase about being unhelpful.
4/16/2019 • 2 minutes, 39 seconds
Laughing all the way to the bank
When can going to the bank be funny? We've got a phrase that will leave you laughing.
4/9/2019 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
The joke is on you
Find out more about a seriously funny English phrase.
4/2/2019 • 3 minutes, 13 seconds
Keep a lid on it
Learn the right English phrase about having to put a stop to something.
3/26/2019 • 2 minutes, 55 seconds
To pull the wool over someone's eyes
Here's a phrase about preventing someone from discovering something.
3/19/2019 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
Take the rough with the smooth
Learn an expression about experiencing bad things to enable you to enjoy good things.
3/12/2019 • 2 minutes, 37 seconds
Hard-nosed
What is a hard-nosed person like? Find out in this episode of The English We Speak.
3/5/2019 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
To have a soft spot
How do you feel if you really like something or someone? This phrase might help you.
2/26/2019 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
To make a song and dance (about something)
If things don't go your way, how can singing and dancing help?
2/19/2019 • 2 minutes, 59 seconds
Giant killer
Here's a phrase to describe the success of a small team.
2/12/2019 • 3 minutes, 4 seconds
A shock to the system
A sudden and unpleasant change can come as a shock. Learn a phrase to describe this.
2/5/2019 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
From pillar to post
Moving from place to place can be chaotic. Learn a phrase to describe the situation
1/29/2019 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Small talk
Here's a phrase that describes making informal conversation about not much.
1/22/2019 • 2 minutes, 41 seconds
A bright spark
Here's a clever expression that can describe someone doing something stupid.
1/15/2019 • 2 minutes, 49 seconds
To be all downhill
Rob's done all his work! Find out here if it's all downhill until the weekend for him.
1/8/2019 • 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Fireworks
Learn a New Year-related expression
1/1/2019 • 2 minutes, 40 seconds
To have all your Christmases come at once
An expression for when you have good fortune
12/28/2018 • 2 minutes, 50 seconds
It's the thought that counts
Learn a polite thing to say when you receive a bad present.
12/18/2018 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
Digital detox
Learn this very modern expression.
12/11/2018 • 3 minutes, 1 second
It leaves a bad taste in your mouth
How can a tasty meal leave a bad taste?
12/4/2018 • 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Pea-souper
Is it a meal or a type of weather?
11/27/2018 • 2 minutes, 19 seconds
Throw in the towel
Learn a phrase about giving up.
11/20/2018 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
A walk in the park
Is walking in the park easy? It can be if you learn this phrase!
11/13/2018 • 2 minutes, 40 seconds
Dumbphone
Learn a new name for old tech
11/6/2018 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
No fear
Are you ready for Halloween?
10/30/2018 • 2 minutes, 12 seconds
Something to chew on
Feifei gives Neil something to chew on
10/23/2018 • 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Waffle on
Not all waffling is good!
10/16/2018 • 2 minutes, 55 seconds
Skew-whiff
Describe something that isn't straight.
10/9/2018 • 3 minutes, 7 seconds
Play a blinder
Doing something amazing.
10/2/2018 • 3 minutes, 56 seconds
Miffed
Has someone annoyed you? Use this word.
9/25/2018 • 3 minutes, 31 seconds
Humblebrag
Brag if you must - just don’t humblebrag! Find out what that means with Rob and Feifei.
9/18/2018 • 3 minutes, 59 seconds
Out of your depth
A phrase for when you're struggling to do something.
9/11/2018 • 3 minutes, 20 seconds
Mardy
A word for a bad mood.
9/4/2018 • 3 minutes, 1 second
Curry favour
Learn a spicy expression.
8/28/2018 • 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Take the biscuit
A sweet phrase for irritating behaviour.
8/21/2018 • 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Step on it
Do you need someone to go faster? Use this informal phrase.
8/14/2018 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
Ping
When does the word 'ping' not make a sound? Find out in this programme.
8/7/2018 • 2 minutes, 39 seconds
Crunch time
When the time comes to make an important decision, what do you say?
7/31/2018 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
Have a pop
Learn a phrase about having a go at something
7/24/2018 • 2 minutes, 30 seconds
A necessary evil
Can you accept something you don't like?
7/17/2018 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
If the cap fits
Learn an expression about accepting criticism
7/10/2018 • 2 minutes, 27 seconds
My bad
Learn a phrase about accepting blame
7/3/2018 • 2 minutes, 40 seconds
To have a good nose (for something)
Rob and Feifei sniff out a new phrase to learn
6/26/2018 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
Friends in High Places
Learn a phrase about important people
6/19/2018 • 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Catch-22
Learn an expression for a no-win situation.
6/12/2018 • 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Let the dust settle
Learn a phrase about allowing a situation to become calm again
6/5/2018 • 2 minutes, 20 seconds
Nothing to shout about
Learn a phrase about not saying much
5/29/2018 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Let sleeping dogs lie
Learn about a trouble-free phrase
5/22/2018 • 3 minutes
Bleed someone dry
An expression for a financial injury
5/15/2018 • 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Small change
A phrase for trivial things
5/8/2018 • 2 minutes, 26 seconds
That'll teach you
Learn from what you've done
5/1/2018 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
An old hand
Someone who's skilled and experienced
4/24/2018 • 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Out of the loop
Learn a phrase about missing out.
4/17/2018 • 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Rub it in
Learn an expression about enjoying someone's misfortunes.
4/10/2018 • 2 minutes, 18 seconds
Smombie
Are you a smartphone zombie?
4/3/2018 • 2 minutes, 16 seconds
Freegan
Are you someone who only eats food that has been wasted or thrown away? Learn a word that describes what you are
3/27/2018 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
Barking up the wrong tree
Have you ever made the wrong assumption? Here's a dog-related phrase to describe your actions
3/20/2018 • 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Cloud cuckoo land
Can you make the impossible possible? This phrase implies you can't but what's it got to do with a cuckoo?
3/13/2018 • 2 minutes, 32 seconds
A taste of your own medicine
Payback time
3/6/2018 • 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Happy-go-lucky
Relaxed about the future? Here's a phrase that might describe your character
2/27/2018 • 2 minutes, 59 seconds
Whizz-kid
Young, clever and successful: find out a phrase that describes someone like this
2/20/2018 • 2 minutes, 16 seconds
The best of both worlds
Can you enjoy the advantages of two different situations at the same time? You can if you use this phrase
2/13/2018 • 2 minutes, 43 seconds
Bone idle
Are you taking it easy or just being lazy? Here's a phrase to describe your condition
2/6/2018 • 2 minutes, 52 seconds
To cut a long story short
Have you got a story to tell? Here's a phrase about just telling the important bits
1/30/2018 • 3 minutes, 3 seconds
A thing
Beards have been 'a thing' for a while. Is it now time to shave them off?
1/29/2018 • 2 minutes, 21 seconds
Just the ticket
Rob and Feifei help teach a phrase to describe something you really want or need
1/23/2018 • 3 minutes
Do a runner
Is it time to go? Here's a phrase about avoiding a tricky situation
1/9/2018 • 2 minutes, 17 seconds
All that jazz
We love slang, idioms, phrases and all that jazz! Learn a new phrase with us
12/26/2017 • 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Not gonna lie
A phrase to use when you're being brutally honest
12/18/2017 • 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Up your game
Don't know which one to use? You need to up your emoji game
12/12/2017 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
To shout it from the rooftops
Have you heard the good news? This programme has something to shout about!
12/5/2017 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
To blow the cobwebs away
No spiders involved. It's time to get lively and learn a new English phrase
11/28/2017 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
A knees-up
Want to go to a party? This phrase might help you get an invitation
11/21/2017 • 2 minutes, 21 seconds
To put someone on the map
Need directions to learn a new English phrase? Here's one about a map and being famous
11/14/2017 • 2 minutes, 36 seconds