The English We Speak

Snap up

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

If you snap up something, you get it quickly or immediately and usually with enthusiasm.

Nothingburger

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Describing something insignificant

Awesomesauce

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a new informal word to describe something amazing.

Clout

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about having influence.

GOAT

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

'GOAT' is used to talk about things or people that we think are the best.

Workation

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

'Workation' is a combination of the words 'work' and 'vacation'.

Moonshot

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression used to describe an experimental project.

Slap-bang

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase to describe an exact position.

Sadfishing

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

A word used when someone exaggerates their emotional problems to get attention.

Mic drop

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.

Tone deaf

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...

'A' game

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Sometimes people need to be on top form and do their best work.

Frontliner

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

We describe nurses and doctors who have been working on the frontline

On fleek

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.

Contact tracing

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Key worker

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sharenting

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Don't share too many photos of your children!

Plastic footprint

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.

Spoiler alert!

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.

Listicle

3 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.

Doomscrolling

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.

Crowdsourcing

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.

One step at a time

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.

Bog-standard

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

How do you describe something that is standard, ordinary and nothing special?

A wake-up call

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn this expression: it's a warning sign!

Climate emergency

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Find out more about this expression and learn things you can do to help the planet.

Thirsty

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

A word for social media attention-seekers!

Vanilla

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a word that can be used to describe something that is basic or bland.

Roast

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn the other meaning of the word 'roast'.

Sticking point

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

A 'sticking point' is an issue or a problem in a negotiation that blocks an agreement.

Flatten the curve

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic.

Living in a bubble

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Do you know someone who's a bit sheltered from the problems of the world?

Cancelled

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn the new meaning of the word 'cancelled'.

New normal

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn a new expression that describes our new way of life.

Slippery slope

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn how to describe a situation that is getting worse and might end in disaster.

Throw shade

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about criticism.

Bite the bullet

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Learn an English expression with bite!

Blended working

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.

JOMO

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Have you ever felt like turning off your phone and not doing something social?

Furlough

2 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Not a new word, but it’s more commonly used recently due to the coronavirus crisis.

Spill the tea

2 perc 299. rész BBC Radio

Are you a gossip? You'll love this expression.

Flexing

3 perc 298. rész BBC Radio

What word can you use to describe people who show off? Find out with Roy and Feifei.

Salty

3 perc 300. rész BBC Radio

Why are people saying 'salty'? Find out with Feifei and Roy.

Skeleton crew

3 perc 299. rész BBC Radio

An expression for when there aren't many people working.

Lowkey

3 perc 298. rész BBC Radio

A word used to describe something you love doing, but are embarrassed to tell people.

Live for something

3 perc 297. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase for things that excite you!

Cabin fever

4 perc 296. rész BBC Radio

Some people suffer from this experience.Find out what it means.

Bang on about something

3 perc 295. rész BBC Radio

Do you know someone who talks about something so much that it gets annoying?

Fire

2 perc 294. rész BBC Radio

Everyone knows what fire is, don't they? Think again! Roy and Feifei teach a new meaning.

Running on fumes

2 perc 293. rész BBC Radio

What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!

Sheeple

2 perc 292. rész BBC Radio

Follow the crowd and learn a new English expression!

Hater

2 perc 291. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase to describe a negative attitude.

Talk shop

2 perc 290. rész BBC Radio

If you have to talk about work even when you’re not doing it, this is the phrase for you!

Snackable

2 perc 289. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression to describe short online content that you can snack on!

A memory like a sieve

3 perc 288. rész BBC Radio

Are you forgetful? This expression is for you!

Nomophobia

2 perc 287. rész BBC Radio

Got a fear of not using your mobile phone? Here's how to describe your condition.

Peacocking

2 perc 286. rész BBC Radio

Rob and Feifei explain the true meaning of this animal-related phrase.

Kick into the long grass

2 perc 285. rész BBC Radio

If you want to delay doing something, where do you kick it?! We have the answer here.

Rat race

2 perc 284. rész BBC Radio

The Year of the Rat is here – so Neil has decided to dedicate his life to work.

Microworker

2 perc 283. rész BBC Radio

What's a 'microworker'? May be you are one!

Serial returner

2 perc 282. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about exchanging clothes.

Talk the talk

2 perc 281. rész BBC Radio

Neil can talk the talk, but does he know what he's talking about?

Out with the old, in with the new

2 perc 280. rész BBC Radio

As 2020 approaches, learn a phrase to describe what you can do at this time of year.

The more the merrier

3 perc 279. rész BBC Radio

It’s Christmas and time to party. Learn a phrase that means more people equals more fun!

Take one for the team

2 perc 278. rész BBC Radio

Are you the kind of person who makes sacrifices for others?

Mind your Ps and Qs

2 perc 277. rész BBC Radio

Learn an English expression about being polite.

Dad dancing

2 perc 276. rész BBC Radio

Swing those arms, shake those hips! Is this the latest dance trend?

Big data

3 perc 275. rész BBC Radio

‘Big data’ is a hot term these days, but do you know what it means? Learn here.

Punch above your weight

2 perc 274. rész BBC Radio

It sounds violent, but this phrase might surprise you!

Social media influencer

2 perc 273. rész BBC Radio

You know all about social media, but ... what is a social media influencer? Learn here.

Goldilocks

3 perc 272. rész BBC Radio

A fairy tale with a new meaning

Ghosting

2 perc 271. rész BBC Radio

Is someone ignoring all of your calls and messages? Maybe you are being ghosted!

Slow TV

3 perc 270. rész BBC Radio

Learn about the TV trend that urges you to relax, slow down and chill out.

Tiger mother

2 perc 269. rész BBC Radio

Trying to help your kids succeed in life? These mothers have a strong idea of what to do!

Buzzkill

3 perc 268. rész BBC Radio

A phrase for when something spoils your fun.

Buyer's remorse

2 perc 267. rész BBC Radio

Have you ever regretted an expensive purchase? This is the phrase for you!

Freecycle

2 perc 266. rész BBC Radio

When you don't want to sell, freecycle! Learn what it means.

Carbon footprint

2 perc 265. rész BBC Radio

Love to travel but worried about the environment? Here's a phrase for you to use.

To cough up

3 perc 264. rész BBC Radio

When is a cough not a cough? We teach you a money-related phrase.

Brain fade

2 perc 263. rész BBC Radio

We teach you a phrase that's worth remembering!

Fib

2 perc 262. rész BBC Radio

We won’t teach you to lie, but you will learn how to use the word ‘fib’.

Hot under the collar

2 perc 261. rész BBC Radio

Cool off and learn this phrase with us.

Eat your heart out

3 perc 260. rész BBC Radio

Learn a humorous phrase about being the best!

Across

2 perc 259. rész BBC Radio

When is 'across' not a preposition?

Fat chance

2 perc 258. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about likelihood.

Milk it

2 perc 257. rész BBC Radio

A phrase about taking advantage of a situation to gain sympathy or respect

To cherry-pick

3 perc 256. rész BBC Radio

We’ve picked the best phrase for you to learn!

To fight tooth and nail

3 perc 255. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about working hard to get just what you want.

It's a small world

2 perc 254. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about coincidences.

Vanish into thin air

2 perc 253. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about disappearing

Get the short straw

3 perc 252. rész BBC Radio

A phrase that sucks!

Soft skills

2 perc 251. rész BBC Radio

These are job skills needed to deal with the public, and very much in demand.

Clever clogs

2 perc 250. rész BBC Radio

Will wearing new shoes make Feifei more intelligent? Join her and Rob in this programme.

Couch surfing

2 perc 249. rész BBC Radio

Looking for a sofa to sleep on? Learn a phrase to describe your actions.

Like riding a bike

2 perc 248. rész BBC Radio

Learn an English expression about skills we never forget.

On fire

2 perc 247. rész BBC Radio

Can you be on fire without any flames?

Dead

3 perc 246. rész BBC Radio

If something is 'dead good' is that a positive or negative thing?

Give someone the runaround

2 perc 245. rész BBC Radio

A phrase about being unhelpful.

Laughing all the way to the bank

2 perc 244. rész BBC Radio

When can going to the bank be funny? We've got a phrase that will leave you laughing.

The joke is on you

3 perc 243. rész BBC Radio

Find out more about a seriously funny English phrase.

Keep a lid on it

2 perc 242. rész BBC Radio

Learn the right English phrase about having to put a stop to something.

To pull the wool over someone's eyes

2 perc 241. rész BBC Radio

Here's a phrase about preventing someone from discovering something.

Take the rough with the smooth

2 perc 240. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about experiencing bad things to enable you to enjoy good things.

Hard-nosed

2 perc 239. rész BBC Radio

What is a hard-nosed person like? Find out in this episode of The English We Speak.

To have a soft spot

2 perc 238. rész BBC Radio

How do you feel if you really like something or someone? This phrase might help you.

To make a song and dance (about something)

2 perc 237. rész BBC Radio

If things don't go your way, how can singing and dancing help?

Giant killer

3 perc 236. rész BBC Radio

Here's a phrase to describe the success of a small team.

A shock to the system

2 perc 235. rész BBC Radio

A sudden and unpleasant change can come as a shock. Learn a phrase to describe this.

From pillar to post

2 perc 234. rész BBC Radio

Moving from place to place can be chaotic. Learn a phrase to describe the situation

Small talk

2 perc 233. rész BBC Radio

Here's a phrase that describes making informal conversation about not much.

A bright spark

2 perc 232. rész BBC Radio

Here's a clever expression that can describe someone doing something stupid.

To be all downhill

2 perc 231. rész BBC Radio

Rob's done all his work! Find out here if it's all downhill until the weekend for him.

Fireworks

2 perc 230. rész BBC Radio

Learn a New Year-related expression

To have all your Christmases come at once

2 perc 229. rész BBC Radio

An expression for when you have good fortune

It's the thought that counts

2 perc 228. rész BBC Radio

Learn a polite thing to say when you receive a bad present.

Digital detox

3 perc 227. rész BBC Radio

Learn this very modern expression.

It leaves a bad taste in your mouth

2 perc 226. rész BBC Radio

How can a tasty meal leave a bad taste?

Pea-souper

2 perc 225. rész BBC Radio

Is it a meal or a type of weather?

Throw in the towel

2 perc 224. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about giving up.

A walk in the park

2 perc 223. rész BBC Radio

Is walking in the park easy? It can be if you learn this phrase!

Dumbphone

2 perc 222. rész BBC Radio

Learn a new name for old tech

No fear

2 perc 221. rész BBC Radio

Are you ready for Halloween?

Something to chew on

2 perc 220. rész BBC Radio

Feifei gives Neil something to chew on

Waffle on

2 perc 219. rész BBC Radio

Not all waffling is good!

Skew-whiff

3 perc 218. rész BBC Radio

Describe something that isn't straight.

Play a blinder

3 perc 217. rész BBC Radio

Doing something amazing.

Miffed

3 perc 216. rész BBC Radio

Has someone annoyed you? Use this word.

Humblebrag

3 perc 215. rész BBC Radio

Brag if you must - just don’t humblebrag! Find out what that means with Rob and Feifei.

Out of your depth

3 perc 214. rész BBC Radio

A phrase for when you're struggling to do something.

Mardy

3 perc 213. rész BBC Radio

A word for a bad mood.

Curry favour

2 perc 212. rész BBC Radio

Learn a spicy expression.

Take the biscuit

2 perc 211. rész BBC Radio

A sweet phrase for irritating behaviour.

Step on it

2 perc 210. rész BBC Radio

Do you need someone to go faster? Use this informal phrase.

Ping

2 perc 209. rész BBC Radio

When does the word 'ping' not make a sound? Find out in this programme.

Crunch time

2 perc 208. rész BBC Radio

When the time comes to make an important decision, what do you say?

Have a pop

2 perc 207. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about having a go at something

A necessary evil

2 perc 206. rész BBC Radio

Can you accept something you don't like?

If the cap fits

2 perc 205. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about accepting criticism

My bad

2 perc 204. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about accepting blame

To have a good nose (for something)

2 perc 203. rész BBC Radio

Rob and Feifei sniff out a new phrase to learn

Friends in High Places

2 perc 202. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about important people

Catch-22

2 perc 201. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression for a no-win situation.

Let the dust settle

2 perc 200. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about allowing a situation to become calm again

Nothing to shout about

2 perc 199. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about not saying much

Let sleeping dogs lie

3 perc 198. rész BBC Radio

Learn about a trouble-free phrase

Bleed someone dry

2 perc 197. rész BBC Radio

An expression for a financial injury

Small change

2 perc 196. rész BBC Radio

A phrase for trivial things

That'll teach you

2 perc 195. rész BBC Radio

Learn from what you've done

An old hand

2 perc 194. rész BBC Radio

Someone who's skilled and experienced

Out of the loop

2 perc 193. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about missing out.

Rub it in

2 perc 192. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression about enjoying someone's misfortunes.

Smombie

2 perc 191. rész BBC Radio

Are you a smartphone zombie?

Freegan

2 perc 190. rész BBC Radio

Are you someone who only eats food that has been wasted or thrown away? Learn a word that describes what you are

Barking up the wrong tree

2 perc 189. rész BBC Radio

Have you ever made the wrong assumption? Here's a dog-related phrase to describe your actions

Cloud cuckoo land

2 perc 188. rész BBC Radio

Can you make the impossible possible? This phrase implies you can't but what's it got to do with a cuckoo?

A taste of your own medicine

2 perc 187. rész BBC Radio

Payback time

Happy-go-lucky

2 perc 186. rész BBC Radio

Relaxed about the future? Here's a phrase that might describe your character

Whizz-kid

2 perc 185. rész BBC Radio

Young, clever and successful: find out a phrase that describes someone like this

The best of both worlds

2 perc 184. rész BBC Radio

Can you enjoy the advantages of two different situations at the same time? You can if you use this phrase

Bone idle

2 perc 183. rész BBC Radio

Are you taking it easy or just being lazy? Here's a phrase to describe your condition

To cut a long story short

3 perc 182. rész BBC Radio

Have you got a story to tell? Here's a phrase about just telling the important bits

A thing

2 perc 181. rész BBC Radio

Beards have been 'a thing' for a while. Is it now time to shave them off?

Just the ticket

3 perc 180. rész BBC Radio

Rob and Feifei help teach a phrase to describe something you really want or need

Do a runner

2 perc 179. rész BBC Radio

Is it time to go? Here's a phrase about avoiding a tricky situation

All that jazz

2 perc 178. rész BBC Radio

We love slang, idioms, phrases and all that jazz! Learn a new phrase with us

Not gonna lie

2 perc 177. rész BBC Radio

A phrase to use when you're being brutally honest

Up your game

2 perc 176. rész BBC Radio

Don't know which one to use? You need to up your emoji game

To shout it from the rooftops

2 perc 175. rész BBC Radio

Have you heard the good news? This programme has something to shout about!

To blow the cobwebs away

2 perc 174. rész BBC Radio

No spiders involved. It's time to get lively and learn a new English phrase

A knees-up

2 perc 173. rész BBC Radio

Want to go to a party? This phrase might help you get an invitation

To put someone on the map

2 perc 172. rész BBC Radio

Need directions to learn a new English phrase? Here's one about a map and being famous

Down in the dumps

2 perc 171. rész BBC Radio

Feeling unhappy? Here's a phrase to describe your mood but don't take it too literally!

Excuse me!

2 perc 170. rész BBC Radio

Rob keeps saying 'excuse me' but what does he really mean? You and Feifei are about to find out the many uses of this phrase

A sting in the tail

2 perc 169. rész BBC Radio

Rob's become a bee keeper but there's something more unpleasant to this hobby than being stung. Find out how a sting in the tail doesn't just come from bees!

So done with

1 perc 168. rész BBC Radio

Are you doing something very boring? We have just the phrase for you!

lolz

2 perc 167. rész BBC Radio

You might know the slang expression ‘LOL’, but do you know about ‘lolz’?

Have a go

1 perc 166. rész BBC Radio

Poor Neil gets a lot of criticism in the programme. Of course, it’s all to help you learn English!

About

1 perc 165. rész BBC Radio

You know what ‘about’ means, right? But maybe not this extra meaning! Take another look with us

Wing it

2 perc 164. rész BBC Radio

Learn an informal expression for when you have to improvise

Pot luck

2 perc 163. rész BBC Radio

Not sure what to expect? Learn a phrase about hoping your choice will turn out ok

It beats me

2 perc 162. rész BBC Radio

Why does Feifei keep hitting Rob? There could be some confusion about the meaning of today's authentic English phrase. Find out what Rob really means when he says 'it beats me'

Jiggery-pokery

1 perc 161. rész BBC Radio

Tricks and dishonesty: Learn this phrase before it fools you!

Left, right, and centre

2 perc 160. rész BBC Radio

If you do something left, right, and centre does that mean you do it everywhere? Rob's being doing just that but what's he been doing it with?

Donkey's years

2 perc 159. rész BBC Radio

Why has Rob got a donkey in the studio?! It's probably got something with today's authentic English phrase which is about not doing something for a long time

Give us a bell

2 perc 158. rész BBC Radio

What's that ringing sound? Is it someone giving you a bell? Find out what it all means

Echo chamber

2 perc 157. rész BBC Radio

Echo echo echo echo…

Snowflake

2 perc 156. rész BBC Radio

Do you melt too easily?

The heat is on

1 perc 155. rész BBC Radio

Learn an expression which you can use to say you're under pressure

Wet weekend

2 perc 154. rész BBC Radio

When can a wet weekend be dry? Find out with another authentic English expression

No picnic

2 perc 153. rész BBC Radio

Some things in life are hard work. Discover a phrase that describes these situations

A busman's holiday

2 perc 152. rész BBC Radio

Going on holiday to do your job? What's it got to do with driving a bus?

Fuddy-duddy

2 perc 151. rész BBC Radio

Old-fashioned and set in your ways? Could you be one of these people?

No great shakes

2 perc 150. rész BBC Radio

Not impressed by something? Here's an expression that describes what you think

Not a sausage

2 perc 149. rész BBC Radio

Nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing at all… Not even one little sausage!

Long

1 perc 148. rész BBC Radio

Not everything in this life is fun. Learn a phrase to describe boring jobs!

Not half

2 perc 147. rész BBC Radio

Love pizza? Feifei and Neil bring you a phrase to show how much you enjoy something

All over the shop

3 perc 146. rész BBC Radio

Looked everywhere? Learn a phrase about shops that isn’t about shops!

It comes with the territory

2 perc 145. rész BBC Radio

Some things have to be expected. Learn a phrase to describe this situation

It won't wash

2 perc 144. rész BBC Radio

Heard something unconvincing? Maybe it's time to get out the washing powder!

Jack-of-all-trades

2 perc 143. rész BBC Radio

Can you do lots of different things? This could be the phrase to describe you

The coast is clear

2 perc 142. rész BBC Radio

Doing something you shouldn't? Here's a phrase about not being caught

Pull a fast one

2 perc 141. rész BBC Radio

Make the English you speak sound more natural

Suck it and see

1 perc 140. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase about having new experiences

To cut your teeth

2 perc 139. rész BBC Radio

Starting out in a new profession? Here's an expression about gaining experience

Shrinkflation

2 perc 138. rész BBC Radio

Getting less for your money? Could you be the victim of 'shrinkflation'?

La-la land

2 perc 137. rész BBC Radio

Is someone making unreasonable requests? Here's where they live

A different kettle of fish

2 perc 136. rész BBC Radio

Fishing for a phrase? This could be the one for you

At the drop of a hat

2 perc 135. rész BBC Radio

What would Rob do at the drop of a hat? Find out more about this expression

Brass neck

2 perc 134. rész BBC Radio

What does being confident but rude have to do with your neck? Learn an expression that should not be taken literally

Reinvent the wheel

2 perc 133. rész BBC Radio

Wasting time doing something that's been done before? There's a phrase to explain this

Frenemy

2 perc 132. rész BBC Radio

Do you have a false friend? In The English We Speak we get to hear how one of Feifei's best friends isn't a friend at all and discover that there's a great word to describe them

To be fair

2 perc 131. rész BBC Radio

Give both sides of the argument with this phrase

On the box

2 perc 130. rész BBC Radio

Watching a ‘box’ can’t be very enjoyable, can it?

Duck

2 perc 129. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase you can use that features our feathered friend

Bottle

1 perc 128. rész BBC Radio

Use this phrase involving bottles when you’re too afraid to do something

Got your number

2 perc 127. rész BBC Radio

Understanding someone's true intentions

Clickbait

2 perc 126. rész BBC Radio

Learn a word that describes tempting online links

Mash-up

2 perc 125. rész BBC Radio

Dan and Feifei are in the studio and Dan has been working on a new music track. Will it be good? Let's find out

Air kiss

2 perc 124. rész BBC Radio

How do you kiss someone without kissing them? Neil and Feifei explain a word which describes a popular way of greeting and saying goodbye to friends

Mansplaining

2 perc 123. rész BBC Radio

A word for when a man explains to a woman something in a way which suggests she's stupid.

Rolling in it

2 perc 122. rész BBC Radio

Neil is rolling on the floor to teach a phrase connected to wealth. Feifei explains

Photobomb

2 perc 121. rész BBC Radio

Feifei and Sian discuss a word to use when something unexpectedly appears in your photo.

Cyberchondriac

2 perc 120. rész BBC Radio

Do you look up every symptom on the internet and then imagine you have a serious illness? Here's an expression to describe what you're doing

To wash your dirty linen in public

2 perc 119. rész BBC Radio

Are you discussing your private life in public? Here's an expression to describe what you're doing

Cat got your tongue?

2 perc 118. rész BBC Radio

There's a cat about and Feifei's not talking. Learn an expression that questions her quietness

It takes two to tango

2 perc 117. rész BBC Radio

Neil's doing a partner dance on his own in the studio to help you learn English. Learn an expression which means two people need to accept the blame for a bad situation

Knee-jerk reaction

2 perc 116. rész BBC Radio

Feifei kicks Neil in the face after he hits her knee with a hammer. It's all to teach you a useful English expression

To have an axe to grind

2 perc 115. rész BBC Radio

An expression with three related but slightly different meanings connected to strong opinions

Close, but no cigar

2 perc 114. rész BBC Radio

Why is Neil trying to smoke a cigar in the studio? Learn an English expression about almost succeeding

Get somebody's goat

2 perc 113. rész BBC Radio

Neil's goat Fred is a bit smelly but useful for teaching an English expression. Feifei's not happy

Bust a gut

2 perc 112. rész BBC Radio

Neil's wearing a vest in the studio to teach an expression about effort. Feifei's concerned he'll injure himself

Old-school

2 perc 111. rész BBC Radio

Feifei has written a letter to her family. Find out why Sian finds this old-school

Shedloads

2 perc 110. rész BBC Radio

Sian has received lots of emails! Learn another way to say 'lots'

Hangry

2 perc 109. rész BBC Radio

Sian is irritable today because she skipped breakfast! Learn an adjective to describe people who feel angry when they get hungry

To pull something out of the hat

2 perc 108. rész BBC Radio

What can you pull out of a hat? Learn an expression that describes doing something that saves the day

Off the hook

1 perc 107. rész BBC Radio

Are you obliged to do something you can't or don't want to? We teach you what to say

Barefaced

2 perc 106. rész BBC Radio

Is someone telling an outrageous lie? Here's an expression we can use

To make a mountain out of a molehill

2 perc 105. rész BBC Radio

Someone making a big fuss about something small? Here's a phrase to describe what they're doing

The last straw/final straw

2 perc 104. rész BBC Radio

When friendship is under test, something tiny and as light as a straw could cause a huge problem

The university of life

2 perc 103. rész BBC Radio

Want to learn about life? Here's a place most of us have studied at

White collar worker / blue-collar worker

2 perc 102. rész BBC Radio

What does the colour of your clothes say about your job?

Drama queen

2 perc 101. rész BBC Radio

No need to be in the theatre to find a drama queen. We teach you where to find them…

It's on the cards

2 perc 100. rész BBC Radio

An expression for when something is likely to happen. What's on the cards for you?

Until you're blue in the face

2 perc 99. rész BBC Radio

Is nobody listening to you? Learn a colourful phrase to explain the situation

Clean up your act

2 perc 98. rész BBC Radio

Someone behaving badly? Here's a phrase that tells them what to do

You're pulling my leg!

2 perc 97. rész BBC Radio

Want to trick someone? Here is a phrase that involves pulling a part of your body!

One good turn deserves another

2 perc 96. rész BBC Radio

A helpful phrase for doing something good

To fall at the first hurdle

2 perc 95. rész BBC Radio

Got an idea that's never going to work? Here is a phrase to describe the situation

Pain in the neck

1 perc 94. rész BBC Radio

Learn the phrase Helen needs to describe the headache her mobile phone company is causing her

Burn a hole in your pocket

2 perc 93. rész BBC Radio

When you are in the habit of spending all your money as soon as it comes in, you can use this phrase to express yourself

To turn something upside down

2 perc 92. rész BBC Radio

How to describe doing a thorough search for something in a very messy way

Going forward

2 perc 91. rész BBC Radio

How do you ask someone to change the way they do things in the future? Learn this phrase connected to motion

A recipe for disaster

2 perc 90. rész BBC Radio

When things go wrong and the outcome isn't good, what kind of recipe are you following? Learn a phrase that has nothing to do with cooking

Crash course

2 perc 89. rész BBC Radio

When you need to learn something very quickly, it’s worth considering a super fast learning programme, but it’s not for everyone

You've sold it to me

2 perc 88. rész BBC Radio

When you are in total agreement with ideas or suggestions from others, try a new phrase to express yourself

Full of the joys of spring

2 perc 87. rész BBC Radio

What time of the year describes a good mood? Learn this lively and cheerful phrase

Six of one, half a dozen of the other

2 perc 86. rész BBC Radio

Is this expression related to numbers? If half a dozen is six, what does this expression mean? Listen to the programme

Test the water

2 perc 85. rész BBC Radio

How can you make sure a new project is going to be a successful? Here's a piece of good advice

To lie through your teeth

2 perc 84. rész BBC Radio

Not telling the truth is not a good thing to do. Learn a phrase to describe your actions

To make a monkey out of me

2 perc 83. rész BBC Radio

Rob's been asked to dress up like a monkey but it seems like someone is literally making a monkey out of him!

There's method to my madness

2 perc 82. rész BBC Radio

Although other people may think you are behaving rather strangely, you know what you are doing. There's a reason and a phrase to describe your behaviour

In good nick

2 perc 81. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase to describe something in top condition

Cheap and cheerful

2 perc 80. rész BBC Radio

Most people like a present that is cheap and cheerful. But no one likes something that is cheap and nasty

A bitter pill to swallow

2 perc 79. rész BBC Radio

When a situation is hard to accept, what do you say? This phrase could be for you

Potty

2 perc 78. rész BBC Radio

When we see people going crazy about something, here is an alternative expression

I'm game

1 perc 77. rész BBC Radio

Neil is dying for a game of squash but Li is not game. Find out why...

That'll put hairs on your chest!

2 perc 76. rész BBC Radio

Learn a humorous expression that is used when someone is going to have a strong alcoholic drink

Down the pan

2 perc 75. rész BBC Radio

When things are not going as planned, we can say they've gone ‘down the pan’, but which pan is it?

Sweet tooth

2 perc 74. rész BBC Radio

Do you have a sweet tooth? Is it something that you are born with or do you develop it?

Bumper-to-bumper

2 perc 73. rész BBC Radio

When a car bumper is almost touch another car bumper, you know the situation on the road is bad

Eye candy

2 perc 72. rész BBC Radio

How can you describe someone good looking but not interesting?

Thingy

2 perc 71. rész BBC Radio

Oh no, you've forgotten the word for something! Don't worry, this expression might help

Across the pond

2 perc 70. rész BBC Radio

Are London and New York separated by a pond? Learn this expression people say on both sides of the Atlantic

People person

2 perc 69. rész BBC Radio

Are you good at working with other people? This expression might describe you

It's a steal!

2 perc 68. rész BBC Radio

Have you paid very little money for something normally expensive? Learn an expression for when you find a bargain

Bull and bear market

2 perc 67. rész BBC Radio

Learn what you say when share prices rise and when they fall. We help you to understand financial terms

Social media words

2 perc 66. rész BBC Radio

'Trolls' and 'haters' are the people who want to annoy you. The names are part of the new vocabulary of social media

Don't give up the day job

2 perc 65. rész BBC Radio

If you don't think someone is very good at doing something what should you say? Here's a phrase to help you

A barrel of laughs

2 perc 64. rész BBC Radio

What object is full of laughs? This is a phrase that describes someone who is fun

To know something like the back of your hand

2 perc 63. rész BBC Radio

Do you know a place very well? Are you able to find your way in a place without looking at any maps? Here is a way of saying it with help from your hand

Give me credit

2 perc 62. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase that's full of praise. You won't need a credit card to use this one

To keep the wolf from the door

2 perc 61. rész BBC Radio

Who's that knocking at the door? Someone's here to tell you you're in financial trouble

Red tape

2 perc 60. rész BBC Radio

Fed up with rules and regulations? You must learn this expression

To drink someone under the table

2 perc 59. rész BBC Radio

Drink to celebrate the good things in life, drink to forget the bad. Here's an expression for people who like an alcoholic drink

Cyberbullying

2 perc 58. rész BBC Radio

Is there someone tormenting you online? Here's an expression for when people hide behind a computer to attack others

A close shave

2 perc 57. rész BBC Radio

What's a razor got to do with Rob's bike ride to work? Here's an expression for when you've had a narrow escape.

My mind's gone blank

2 perc 56. rész BBC Radio

Why did Rob ask Feifei to meet him in the studio? Here's an expression for when you've forgotten something.

To sleep on it

2 perc 55. rész BBC Radio

Find out how 'sleeping on it' doesn't just mean lying on a bed!

All over the place

2 perc 54. rész BBC Radio

Neil can't find his script. His pen's gone missing. He's feeling a bit confused. What's wrong with him? Find out in the programme.

To go around the houses

2 perc 53. rész BBC Radio

Feifei wants to borrow Rob's car but she takes a long time getting to the point. Find out why Rob tells her not to go around the houses. And why doesn't Rob want her to drive his car?

Done and dusted

2 perc 52. rész BBC Radio

When someone says the phrase 'done and dusted', do they mean doing some proper cleaning?

Chill pill

2 perc 51. rész BBC Radio

It's hard to swallow but maybe it's time for a chill pill!

Put a sock in it!

3 perc 50. rész BBC Radio

Why has Helen put a sock in the toaster and how is that going to keep her quiet?

A wild card

2 perc 49. rész BBC Radio

Who's the wild card in the office? Rob and Feifei use a phrase to describe an unpredictable colleague.

To take a shot / stab in the dark

2 perc 48. rész BBC Radio

Feifei thinks someone's been killed but then discovers taking a stab in the dark doesn't involve using knives!

To keep a lid on it

2 perc 47. rész BBC Radio

Li and Neil go for a coffee, but why do they have to keep a lid on it?

To be on the ball

1 perc 46. rész BBC Radio

Learn a phrase to describe the ability to react quickly to things.

Mind-blowing

3 perc 45. rész BBC Radio

Feifei and Harry use an expression for things that amaze and astound.

Out for the count

2 perc 44. rész BBC Radio

Neil and Li talk about how a boxing expression can be used in everyday life.

Game changer

3 perc 43. rész BBC Radio

Feifei and Harry use an expression for people and ideas that change the way we do things.