The English We Speak
BBC
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
Episodes
I'm out
12/5/2023
Sometimes you need to say you don't have anything left. Learn 'I'm out'.
Duration:00:02:10
Plan b
11/28/2023
If you need an alternative option, you need to know this phrase. Learn how to use it.
Duration:00:02:15
Sound out
11/21/2023
Sometimes you just want to find out what someone else thinks.
Duration:00:02:29
Fly by night
11/14/2023
When companies or people can't be trusted, use this expression.
Duration:00:02:11
One-up
11/14/2023
Do you want to beat your friends by saying what you have done that is better than them?
Duration:00:02:03
Tread on someone's toes
10/31/2023
It can be annoying when someone does something you were supposed to do.
Duration:00:02:34
Mental gymnastics
10/24/2023
How do we talk about complicated tasks done by your brain?
Duration:00:02:30
Call dibs
10/17/2023
If you want to get the last slice of pizza, what can you say?
Duration:00:02:14
Run for the hills
10/10/2023
What makes you want to run for the hills?
Duration:00:02:03
Each to their own
9/26/2023
How do you feel when someone does something that you would never do, but it's OK?
Duration:00:01:40
Fill your boots
9/19/2023
If you are presented with an opportunity, how can you tell some to take advantage?
Duration:00:01:57
Join the club
9/12/2023
How to tell someone that the bad situation they are experiencing is the same as yours.
Duration:00:02:01
Go with the flow
9/5/2023
Learn a phrase to say that you are happy to do what other want to do
Duration:00:02:16
Cakeism
8/29/2023
Learn a phrase about wanting to have two good things at the same time.
Duration:00:02:07
Drip feed
8/22/2023
Learn a phrase about giving information little by little.
Duration:00:02:02
Scatterbrain
8/15/2023
Learn about this word that describes someone disorganised or forgetful.
Duration:00:01:56
Be in with a shout
8/8/2023
Learn a phrase for winning!
Duration:00:02:24
On point
8/8/2023
A phrase all about being perfect!
Duration:00:01:49
Kiss something goodbye
7/25/2023
An expression with 'kiss' that's not about kissing!
Duration:00:01:56
Productivity theatre
7/18/2023
Learn a phrase about pretending to work.
Duration:00:02:26