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

The English We Speak: The name of the game

Learn an expression to talk about the most important aspect of something. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

The English We Speak: Do it for the plot

An expression for when you make spontaneous life decisions for entertainment. TRANSCRIPT Find a full...

The English We Speak: Let something slide

You're late! I'll let it slide just this once... This phrase has two meanings. Learn them and hear some...

The English We Speak: Twist someone's arm

What does it mean to 'twist someone's arm'? TRANSCRIPTFind a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250324FIND...

The English We Speak: Have someone on

This means making someone believe something that isn't true, but in a jokey way. Learn how to use this...

The English We Speak: Can-do attitude

If you have a can-do attitude, you don't let anything stop you. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for...

The English We Speak: Go to

Your 'go-to' is your preferred option. Learn how to use this phrase.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

The English We Speak: Skedaddle

Do you need to skedaddle? Leave somewhere in a hurry? Learn this expression.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

My Song, My Home: Adam in Ipswich

Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us...

The English We Speak: Main character moment

Look at her - she's having such a main character moment on the dance floor! Learn this internet phrase...

My Song, My Home: Alice in Leeds

Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us...

The English We Speak: Fall on stony ground

We hope our advice doesn't fall on stony ground. Learn a new expressionTRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

My Song, My Home: Grace in Liverpool

Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us...

The English We Speak: Make a rod for your own back

An expression that means you are doing something that will cause you future problems.TRANSCRIPT Find...

My Song, My Home: Josh in London

Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us...

The English We Speak: Ship

A word that means you want two people to be in a relationship.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for...

My Song, My Home: Bailey in St Ives

Welcome to our new music series My Song, My Home. In each episode we meet a new musician who tells us...

The English We Speak: Twig

A word for when you suddenly realise or understand something. Learn it here TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

The English We Speak: Mooch

An informal British English word that means to wander or stroll around casually.TRANSCRIPT Find a full...

The English We Speak: By the book

This expression is all about following the rules.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ??...

The English We Speak: Turn over a new leaf

Many of us hope to turn over a new leaf when a new year starts.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for...

The English We Speak: You can't go wrong with

If you 'can't go wrong' with a suggestion, you can't fail if you use it.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...

The English We Speak: The flip side

An expression to change someone's perspective. Learn it hereTRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this...

The English We Speak: In my travel era

An expression that means you're focused on one thing at a particular period of lifeTRANSCRIPT Find a...

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