
The English We Speak
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
Education
No ifs or buts
Stop making excuses and learn this expression!
Mar 21 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
No Ifs or Buts
Caught red-handed
Learn an expression about being caught doing somethi...
more
Mar 14 2023 1m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Caught Red-Handed
Thanks a bunch
When does ‘thanks’ not mean ‘thanks’? Find out about...
more
Feb 28 2023 2m
Chapter 1 4 mins
The English We Speak
Slow walk
How do you describe something making slow progress?
Feb 21 2023 1m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Understanding the Concept of Slow Walking
Take something to heart
Learn a phrase about taking advice or criticism pers...
more
Feb 14 2023 2m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Taking Criticism Personally
Take something to heart
If someone takes something to heart, what does it me...
more
Feb 13 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Taking Things to Heart
Know the score
Learn a phrase about understanding the situation.
Feb 7 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Understanding the Situation
Jog your memory
Learn a phrase about remembering.
Jan 31 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Jogging Someone's Memory
A flying start
Learn an expression we use to say a new task is goin...
more
Jan 24 2023 2m
Chapter 1
The English We Speak
Steal someone's thunder
If you get more attention than someone else, what ar...
more
Jan 17 2023 2m
Call it a day
Make the English you speak sound more natural
Jan 9 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
When to Call It a Day
Off the top of my head
When you don’t have the facts and figures at hand, y...
more
Jan 3 2023 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Off the Top of My Head
Change for the better
Do you want to make a positive change for 2023? We h...
more
Dec 23 2022 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
A Change for the Better
The gift that keeps on giving
Learn a phrase about receiving presents.
Dec 20 2022 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Quiet quitting
Learn a phrase about just doing enough.
Dec 13 2022 2m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Quiet Quitting
Hang in there
Times can be challenging but don’t give up. We have ...
more
Dec 6 2022 2m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Hang in There
Bite your tongue
What does ‘bite your tongue’ mean?
Nov 29 2022 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Biting Your Tongue
Win hands down
An easy phrase for an easy win!
Nov 22 2022 2m
Chapter 1 3 mins
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Fever pitch
The men’s football World Cup is coming, and exciteme...
more
Nov 15 2022 1m
Chapter 1 3 mins
The English We Speak
Get your act together
A phrase about good organisation.
Nov 8 2022 2m
Chapter 1 3 mins
Getting Your Act Together
Dog's dinner
Learn this phrase to describe a complete mess.
Oct 25 2022 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
The English We Speak
Feast your eyes
Sometimes you can be amazed at what you see. Learn a...
more
Oct 11 2022 2m
Chapter 1 2 mins
The English We Speak