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 flip side
An expression to change someone's perspective. Learn it hereTRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this...
EscucharThe 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...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Give it some welly!
Say this if you want to encourage someone to put some more effort into an activity. TRANSCRIPT Find...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Shoehorn something in
Learn an expression that means force something in somewhere that it doesn't quite fit. TRANSCRIPT Find...
EscucharThe English We Speak: On the fly
Should you cook on the fly, or follow a recipe? Learn a phrase to talk about improvising.TRANSCRIPT Find...
EscucharThe English We Speak: That's on you
When someone tells you 'that's on you', they're telling you that it's your fault.TRANSCRIPT Find a...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Warts and all
An expression that means including all your imperfections.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Off the scale
An expression that means goes far beyond what is expected.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this...
EscucharThe 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.TRANSCRIPT Find...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Makes my skin crawl
Here's an expression for when you're incredibly disgusted by something.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript...
EscucharThe English We Speak: An uphill task
This is a phrase about something that needs energy and determination. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Bide someone's time
Here's an expression about waiting patiently for an opportunity.[Image: Getty]Find a full transcript...
EscucharThe English We Speak: From the get-go
Here's an expression that means 'from the beginning'. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript for this...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Stomping ground
Here's an expression you can use about somewhere you live or visit very often.Find a full transcript...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Tug at the heartstrings
Here's an expression for when something makes you feel strong emotions. [Image: Getty] Find a full...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Clutch at straws
Here's an expression you can use when you're in a desperate situation. [Image: Getty] Find a full transcript...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Crank up
Here's an expression about increasing intensity.[Image: Getty]Find a full transcript for this episode...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Find your groove
Learn an expression that means getting used to something.An expression that means something is very...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Top-notch
An expression that means something is very high quality.[Image: Getty]For more great language tips and...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Off the cuff
An expression that means you say something without preparing first. Learn it here.[Image: Getty]For...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Take the wheel
This expression is all about being in control.[Image: Getty]For more great language tips and programmes...
EscucharThe English We Speak: The works
Learn a phrase that means 'everything'![Image: Getty]For more great language tips and programmes visit...
EscucharThe English We Speak: Dip your toe into
Here's an expression about trying something new. [Image: Getty] For more great language tips and programmes...
EscucharThe English we speak: Ham-fisted
Here's an expression about clumsiness. [Image: Getty] For more great language tips and programmes visit...
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