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Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst 

BBC Radio

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. 

Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. 

And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation. 

Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English. 

Find more at bbclearningenglish.com 

Follow us at 
bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

The English We Speak

This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.

Find a free transcript here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Passing Ships

This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei.

As always, find a free transcript here: 

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706. 

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com 

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: 

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Understood the assignment

Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei.

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Onto something

When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Sell yourself short

Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615

Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

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The English We Speak: Wrap it up

Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260608. 

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall

Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie.

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260601

Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame

Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Gatekeep

Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: In over my head

Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programme

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260511

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Passing Ships

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

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