Learning English Conversations

Under your belt

07 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean if you say an actor has lots of awards under his belt?

To brush over

31 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

When you are decorating, there are some things you can't brush over

Go the extra mile

24 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How can Feifei save money for a new car? Will she go the extra mile?

Beat around the bush

17 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rob and Li go camping but they are not alone. Join them to learn a phrase

The boot's on the other foot

10 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How are boots connected to a changing situation?

Pull the plug

03 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rob is having serious problems with a project. Li wants to help him. But how? Listen to the programme to find out.

In the doghouse

24 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Behave or you might end up in the kennel with your dog. Learn a new phrase.

Chew the fat

17 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rob and Feifei share a hearty meal and a new phrase. Join them to learn more.

Treading on eggshells

10 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What are you treading on if you're trying not to offend someone? We can explain.

Take a rain check

03 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What does 'taking a rain check' mean? Do we need an umbrella?

Use your loaf

27 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's the connection between bread and common sense? You might need this expression.

Stumped

20 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Playing cricket is not the only place where you could get stumped. Find out what it means when it happens to you.

Skeleton in the closet

13 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Finn and Li go to his late uncle's house. What is Li afraid of? We hope this expression won't frighten you.

To have words

06 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Why is Finn cross with Li? Here's a good expression for when you're out of patience.

Crystal clear

30 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

If something is crystal clear, how clear is it? Rob and Feifei find out when they build a wardrobe.

Ginormous

23 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The glass and steel buildings of modern Shanghai are ginormous. What does this mean?

Take the mickey

16 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Who is laughing at Rob? Is it Li or is it Mickey Mouse? Here's an expression with a twist

Fishing for compliments

09 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What are you hoping to catch when you're fishing for compliments?

Go round in circles

02 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Which way are you going if you're not making any progress? Discover a phrase to use when you keep coming back to the same problem.

Bottomless

25 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Li starts to get worried when her colleagues talk about going for a 'bottomless' meal. What does it mean? Find out more by listening to this programme...

Full of beans

18 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling tired today? Or are you full of beans? Learn more about this phrase in this programme.

To go with a bang

11 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need fireworks to say a party is going really well.

Other half

04 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Do you always consult with your other half before you make important decisions?

Bits and bobs

28 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Neil says he has a lot of 'bits and bobs' to sort out. What does he mean?

Nosh

21 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Feifei spots a celebrity in the lift who says he's going to get some nosh. Rob has to explain exactly what he's going to get.

Ace

14 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Do you like playing cards? Are you ace at playing cards? Join us for an 'ace' programme.

Beef

07 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Beef is meat that comes from a cow, right? Yes, but there is another meaning... Find out more here.

Out of the picture

30 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Finn has got his camera. Who does Feifei want to see in the picture?

Cut to the chase

23 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Who's chasing Finn and Feifei? Here's a good expression for when you're running out of patience

Have a ball

16 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Feifei has just returned to the office after a really relaxing holiday. So why does Finn ask her if she had a ball? Find out in the programme.

Don't make a scene!

09 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Neil and Feifei are about to watch a play but there is a lot of drama outside the theatre. What is going on?

Phone slang

02 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

When is a bell not a bell, and a dog not a dog? Find out in our programme about phone slang.

Can of worms

26 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'a can of worms'.

What's his face?

19 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What do you say in English if you can't remember someone's name? Listen to this programme to learn lots of different phrases you can use.

Straight from the horse's mouth

12 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Learn English with horses. In fact, learn it 'straight from the horse's mouth' in this programme.

After

05 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Join Li and Finn for a drink in the bar and learn a new way to ask someone what they want.

Weather idioms

29 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Using weather idioms: is Jen chasing rainbows, or is it a storm in a teacup?

Legend

23 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Legends are stories about people who lived long ago, right? Well, there's more to it than that.

It's doing my head in!

15 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Annoyed? Frustrated? Angry? Maybe it's doing your head in!

The bee's knees

08 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Finn wants to share some special food with Li. But they receive some uninvited guests who also want to eat their delicious picnic snacks.

To put all your eggs in one basket

01 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How many eggs should you put in one basket? And what has that got to do with taking risks?

Don't make me laugh!

24 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

It's laughable. How to say that you think something will never happen.

A leopard can't change its spots

17 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Can someone change their personality? A leopard can't change its spots.

To see red

10 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing red: what is making Jen and Feifei so angry on their day trip?

Haven't slept a wink

03 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Zzzz... Neil had a crying child in his room and Feifei had a mosquito in hers. That's why neither of them has slept a wink.

Freak

27 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Are you obsessed by a hobby or sport? Feifei is but Jen's not impressed!

I wasn't born yesterday

20 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Were you born yesterday? Probably not, but this is a useful expression if someone's trying to fool you.

Six-pack

13 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a six-pack or a one-pack? Maybe it's time to do more exercise! Find out why in The English We Speak.

To cook the books

06 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Neil is cooking an unusual meal in the BBC Learning English kitchen. Would you like to eat a book?

On the up

29 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Things are 'on the up' for Jennifer and Jean at work. Find out why in The English We Speak.

LOL!

22 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what this text message abbreviation means? Find out with Jennifer and Rob in this week's programme.

Makeover

15 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Feifei thinks that Catherine looks better, younger, prettier. Why does Catherine look so different today? Find out more with The English We Speak.

A white elephant

08 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Does Finn have to look after his uncle's white elephant? Find out more with The English We Speak.

Finger on the pulse

01 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Finn has his finger on the pulse when Feifei says that she has no clue about some actors in a movie. What does it mean?

Cut the mustard

25 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Can Feifei cut the mustard to win a cooking contest? Find out more with The English We Speak.

To miss the boat

18 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Does Feifei really need a lifejacket to go to Finn's uncle's party? Find out more about this phrase in this programme.

To take (something) on board

11 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Li and Rob are going on a holiday and are getting ready at the airport. But Rob is very surprised to find Li carrying so many things that she is not a...

The writing is on the wall

04 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Vera gets angry with Dominic when Rob mentions the phrase 'the writing is on the wall'. Is Dominic being naughty?

Every Tom Dick and Harry

25 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Kaz invites Tom, Dick and Harry to the studio and introduces them to Yang Li. Who are they?

Act your age, not your shoe size

18 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Abigail tells Rob to act his age not his shoe size. But what does this mean?

Go to town

08 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why does Abigail keep saying she's 'going to town'? And what has it got to do with red food? Find out here.

Over the moon

01 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Someone in the office is over the moon about getting a new job. Find out what that really means in this week's programme.

To know your onions

28 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Rob gets Li to help him with some quiz answers. Does she know her onions? Find out more about this phrase here.

Take with a pinch of salt

21 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why does Li think that there is a ghost in her house? Find out more here.

Not rocket science

14 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Find out what the expression 'not rocket science' means in this programme.

Go down a storm

07 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Kaz says his party 'went down a storm'. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Find out here.

Chuffed

31 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Kaz is feeling very chuffed today. Find out what this phrase means in this programme.

Hit the ground running

24 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Kaz decides to 'hit the ground running' in this week's programme. Find out what this phrase means by listening to this programme.

Language of the blogosphere

17 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Finn has entered the blogosphere! Find out what this word means in The English We Speak.

Irons in the fire

10 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Jen tells Helen that she has a few 'irons in the fire' for her fortnight off work. Learn a phrase to describe having lots of options. Find out more wi...

Man flu

03 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Li is worried when she learns that Neil has caught man flu. But how will she react when she finds out what the illness actually is...?

Drop dead gorgeous

26 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Li is worried when Jen says somebody is 'drop dead gorgeous'. What does this phrase mean?

Celeb (Celebrity): 19 Nov

19 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Vera teaches Rob how and when to use the word 'celeb' in a modern society. Find out more in The English We Speak.

Emoticon: 12 Nov

12 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rob and Vera have a misunderstanding about an email. Listen to this programme to find out why emoticons can be useful in written messages.

Keep your chin up!: 5 Nov

05 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rob tells Vera to 'keep her chin up'. But what does he mean? Find out with this week's programme.

Cost an arm and a leg

29 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rob goes shopping but the clothes cost 'an arm and a leg'. What does this mean?

Hunky-dory

22 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rob and Chris mention the phrase 'hunky-dory' to Helen. Are they trying to say that they are muscular men? Find out what this phrase means with The En...

Things are looking up

15 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Helen gets confused when she hears that 'things are looking up'. Find out what this phrase means with The English We Speak.

My mind has gone blank

08 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rosie's mind has gone blank in the studio! Does that mean she's lost her memory? Listen to this programme to find out.

Shut up

01 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Li and Rosie look at an expression which can be rude or jokey. Be careful how you use it!

Throw the book at somebody

24 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rosie arrives late again and she tells Helen that their boss will throw the book at her. Is he going to hurt her?

A finger in every pie

17 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Jen made some delicious pies but what does it mean when we say she has 'a finger in every pie'?

Finding your feet

10 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Helen and Rosie are doing a salsa class, but Rosie is still finding her feet. What does it mean?

The skin of your teeth

03 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer managed to do something by the skin of her teeth. What does it mean?

No-win situation

27 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Rob finds himself in a no-win situation although he wins a horse racing bet. What does it mean?

Plain sailing

20 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Li joins Rob on a sailing boat. Listen to their excursion and learn some sailing idioms..

Down with the kids

13 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Why is Rob dressing like a teenager? Find out in The English We Speak!

Quids in

06 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever made a lot of money? Rob's got the right expression for Helen.

Sheepish

30 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Helen is a bit puzzled by Neil's statement that she is looking rather sheepish. Find out what he means in The English We Speak.

Keep me posted

23 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Neil gets in trouble with the police just to teach you a new expression! Find out more in The English We Speak.

To go bananas

16 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Li thinks Neil is a bit out of control and says he's gone bananas. Has this got anything to do with fruit?

Not give someone the time of day

09 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What does Rosie mean when she tells Li to put her money where her mouth is? Li is confused and thinks it's really disgusting. Listen to more of their ...

Put your money where your mouth is: 02 JUL12

02 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What does Rosie mean when she tells Li to put her money where her mouth is? Li is confused and thinks it's really disgusting. Listen to more of their ...

To fly by the seat of your pants

25 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Can Chris fly by the seat of his pants? Li and Chris discuss the use of this phrase.

To bend over backwards

18 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What are the different meanings of the phrase 'to bend over backwards'?

It's a joke

11 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Does the expression 'it's a joke' mean something funny? Find out more in this week's The English We Speak.

What's the damage?

04 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase What's the damage?

Why the long face?

28 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase Why the long face?

To murder something

21 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'to murder something'.

Catch your eye

14 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'to catch someone's eye'.