bbclearningenglish.com | The English We Speak2014-09-23T13:59:16+00:00bbclearningenglish.comlearningenglish@bbc.co.ukhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/images/f/bbclearningenglish_180x80.gifCopyright British Broadcasting Corporation 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-09-23:3488707534887075Butter up2014-09-23T13:26:38+00:002014-09-23T08:20:35+00:00Is this butter for a cake, toast or to put on a person? Finn and Feifei explain. The English We Speak: 23 September 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-09-16:3473197034731970Hair of the dog2014-09-16T13:32:55+00:002014-09-16T09:55:53+00:00Rob had too much to drink. Is this the cure for his hangover? The English We Speak: 16 September 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-09-09:3457634834576348Splash out2014-09-09T11:07:29+00:002014-09-09T09:07:37+00:00Finn is spending a lot of money. But can he afford it? The English We Speak: 9 September 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-09-02:3441730734417307Cheesed off2014-09-02T14:11:42+00:002014-09-02T09:56:51+00:00Finn is angry, so Li offers him some tasty cheese. Will it calm him down? The English We Speak: 2 September 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-08-26:3425123534251235Frogmarch2014-08-26T11:12:22+00:002014-08-26T10:08:46+00:00A style of walking that is hard to do on your own: The English We Speak: 26 August 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-08-19:3410308634103086Proof is in the pudding2014-08-19T13:00:38+00:002014-08-19T09:41:27+00:00What does Rob mean when he says 'the proof is in the pudding'? The English We Speak: 19 August 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-08-12:3395596133955961Someone is a dinosaur2014-08-12T13:21:01+00:002014-08-12T09:21:16+00:00What’s the link between dinosaurs and mobile phones? The English We Speak: 12 August 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-08-05:3381559233815592Look like the back end of a bus2014-08-05T11:52:58+00:002014-08-05T08:56:52+00:00If someone says you look like 'the back end of a bus', is it a good thing? The English We Speak: 5 August 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-07-29:3367783333677833Interjections2014-07-29T09:47:21+00:002014-07-29T08:13:10+00:00Wow! Ouch! Yippee! The useful little sounds which mean a lot. The English We Speak: 29 July 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-07-22:3353659233536592Blah blah blah2014-07-22T11:26:47+00:002014-07-22T08:33:40+00:00Having a repetitive and boring conversation? This expression is for you. The English We Speak: 22 July 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-07-15:3338322833383228Have a lot on my plate2014-07-15T10:43:47+00:002014-07-15T07:37:45+00:00When is a meal not so tasty? This expression will give you the answer. The English We Speak: 15 July 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-07-08:3322769233227692Bells and whistles2014-07-08T09:46:05+00:002014-07-08T07:53:57+00:00Will these add to the value of your gadget? Listen to the programme. The English We Speak: 8 July 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-06-30:3304802033048020Everything but the kitchen sink2014-07-01T08:39:34+00:002014-06-30T13:27:25+00:00Neil and Li are going on a camping trip. But are they packing too much? The English We Speak: 1 July 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-06-24:3289849732898497Beat the drum2014-06-24T11:41:00+00:002014-06-24T07:59:11+00:00Neil and Li want to help protect baby turtles. But do they need a drum? The English We Speak: 24 June 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-06-17:3272573532725735Until the cows come home2014-06-17T12:14:42+00:002014-06-17T08:26:46+00:00Neil and Li are keen to go home. How long will they have to wait for the bus? The English We Speak: 17 June 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-06-10:3255689732556897Smell a rat2014-06-10T10:43:33+00:002014-06-10T07:48:08+00:00Li thinks she's won the lottery. But is it true? Neil has bad news for her. The English We Speak: 10 June 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-06-03:3240771732407717Funny ha-ha or funny peculiar2014-06-03T09:33:40+00:002014-06-03T08:04:38+00:00When does 'funny' have nothing to do with laughter? The English We Speak: 3 June 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-05-27:3226466532264665Corporate speak2014-05-27T13:15:18+00:002014-05-27T09:10:05+00:00Blue-sky thinking? Pushing the envelope? Learn what they mean. The English We Speak: 27 May 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-05-20:3211351332113513Take it with a pinch of salt2014-05-20T11:45:02+00:002014-05-20T07:53:49+00:00Helen takes Neil out for tea but why does she put salt in his cup? Find out more. The English We Speak: 20 May 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-05-13:3196565931965659Cold feet2014-05-13T13:18:22+00:002014-05-13T08:21:03+00:00Rob wants a pay rise. But why do his 'cold feet' stop him asking for one? The English We Speak: 13 May 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-05-03:3177175231771752Not enough room to swing a cat2014-05-06T08:29:22+00:002014-05-03T14:08:40+00:00It's hard to find the right place to live. Here's an expression about space. The English We Speak: 6 May 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-04-22:3154257731542577Off the back of a lorry2014-04-29T12:15:51+00:002014-04-22T14:03:52+00:00Buying something really good but super cheap? This expression will make you think twice. The English We Speak: 29 April 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-04-22:3153311031533110Wrong 'un2014-04-22T12:05:17+00:002014-04-22T08:53:31+00:00Is he Mr Right, or is he a wrong 'un? Learn a new slang phrase. The English We Speak: 22 April 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-04-15:3139206531392065Pie in the sky2014-04-15T10:30:28+00:002014-04-15T08:23:10+00:00Finn and Li are in the woods. Can they see more than birds flying in the sky? The English We Speak: 15 April 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-04-01:3110051131100511On the tip of my tongue2014-04-08T11:42:12+00:002014-04-01T13:24:05+00:00Can't quite remember what to say? We have a phrase that might help you. The English We Speak: 8 April 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-03-25:3095723630957236Under your belt2014-04-01T10:28:48+00:002014-03-25T12:01:54+00:00What does it mean if you say an actor has lots of awards under his belt? The English We Speak: 1 April 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-03-18:3082113930821139To brush over2014-03-25T15:50:28+00:002014-03-18T14:53:45+00:00When you are decorating, there are some things you can't brush over. The English We Speak: 25 March 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-02-25:3038981430389814Go the extra mile2014-03-18T13:28:13+00:002014-02-25T15:16:16+00:00How can Feifei save money for a new car? Will she go the extra mile? The English We Speak: 18 March 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-02-12:3012660830126608Beat around the bush2014-03-11T12:46:41+00:002014-02-12T16:50:10+00:00Rob and Li go camping but they are not alone. Join them to learn a phrase. The English We Speak: 11 March 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-03-04:3052979330529793The boot's on the other foot2014-03-04T12:10:34+00:002014-03-04T09:12:13+00:00How are boots connected to a changing situation? The English We Speak: 4 March 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-02-17:3022300130223001Pull the plug2014-02-25T13:21:01+00:002014-02-17T17:03:37+00:00Rob is having problems with his project, so Li pulls the plug on it. The English We Speak: 25 February 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-02-04:2994411429944114In the doghouse2014-02-18T11:12:50+00:002014-02-04T11:56:15+00:00Behave or you might end up in the kennel with your dog. Learn a new phrase. The English We Speak: 18 February 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-01-21:2965420829654208Chew the fat2014-02-11T13:43:48+00:002014-01-21T16:28:49+00:00Rob and Feifei share a hearty meal and a new phrase. Join them to learn more. The English We Speak: 11 February 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-01-21:2964767529647675Treading on eggshells2014-02-04T13:04:06+00:002014-01-21T13:07:32+00:00What are you treading on if you're trying not to offend someone? We can explain. The English We Speak: 4 February 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-01-14:2950233729502337Take a rain check2014-01-28T12:03:33+00:002014-01-14T12:46:55+00:00What does 'taking a rain check' mean? Do we need an umbrella? The English We Speak: 28 January 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-01-14:2949836729498367Use your loaf2014-01-21T10:49:07+00:002014-01-14T10:33:54+00:00What's the connection between bread and common sense? You might need this expression. The English We Speak: 21 January 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2014-01-07:2936294829362948Stumped2014-01-14T12:30:15+00:002014-01-07T16:57:23+00:00A cricket match is not the only place where you could get stumped. Find out what it means when it happens to you. The English We Speak: 14 January 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-31:2922889429228894Skeleton in the closet2014-01-07T12:48:36+00:002013-12-31T09:33:16+00:00Finn and Li go to his late uncle's house. What is Li afraid of? We hope this expression won't frighten you.The English We Speak: 7 January 2014tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-19:2902381329023813To have a word2013-12-31T11:05:13+00:002013-12-19T18:42:29+00:00A good expression for when you've run out of patience. The English We Speak: 31 December 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-10:2882251428822514Crystal clear2013-12-24T08:52:52+00:002013-12-10T12:18:56+00:00If something is crystal clear, how clear is it? Rob and Li find out when they build a wardrobe. The English We Speak: 24 December 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-04:2869583928695839Ginormous2013-12-17T12:00:28+00:002013-12-04T10:58:17+00:00The glass and steel buildings of modern Shanghai are ginormous. The English We Speak: 17 December 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-12:28871151288711512012 programmes2013-12-12T13:29:57+00:002013-12-12T13:26:46+00:00The English We Speak - archive of programmes from 2012tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-12:28870946288709462011 programmes2013-12-12T13:24:37+00:002013-12-12T13:19:38+00:00The English We Speak - archive of programmes from 2011tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-12-04:2869502928695029Take the mickey2013-12-10T12:13:23+00:002013-12-04T10:29:29+00:00Who is laughing at Rob? Is it Li or is it Mickey Mouse? Here's an expression with a twist. The English We Speak: 10 December 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-11-22:2845260528452605Fishing for compliments2013-12-03T13:39:01+00:002013-11-22T12:23:01+00:00What are you hoping to catch when you're fishing for compliments? The English We Speak: 3 December 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-11-19:2838259328382593Go round in circles2013-11-26T13:14:50+00:002013-11-19T11:13:01+00:00Which 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. The English We Speak: 26 November 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-11-13:2826586728265867Bottomless2013-11-19T12:05:49+00:002013-11-13T11:06:14+00:00You can have bottomless drinks in a lot of restaurants. But what are they? The English We Speak: 19 November 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-11-05:2810598428105984Full of beans2013-11-12T13:11:17+00:002013-11-05T14:19:45+00:00Are you feeling tired today? Or are you full of beans? The English We Speak: 12 November 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-10-29:2796673627966736To go with a bang2013-11-05T12:36:10+00:002013-10-29T15:40:49+00:00You don't need fireworks to say a party is going really well. The English We Speak: 5 November 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-10-23:2784045927840459Other half2013-10-23T15:09:48+00:002013-10-23T10:42:08+00:00Do you always consult with your other half before you make important decisions? The English We Speak: 29 October 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-10-21:2779304427793044Bits and bobs2013-10-22T12:25:21+00:002013-10-21T10:00:57+00:00Neil says he has a lot of 'bits and bobs' to sort out. What does he mean? The English We Speak: 22 October 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-10-08:2754320627543206Nosh2013-10-15T14:11:02+00:002013-10-08T09:44:59+00:00Learn a slang word to describe food and eating food. The English We Speak: 15 October 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-10-04:2747875727478757Ace2013-10-08T10:20:26+00:002013-10-04T15:42:23+00:00Do you like playing cards? Are you ace at playing cards? Join us for an 'ace' programme. The English We Speak: 8 October 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-09-26:2731646927316469Beef2013-10-01T11:03:38+00:002013-09-26T15:16:38+00:00Beef is meat that comes from a cow, right? Yes, but there is another meaning... The English We Speak: 1 October 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-09-20:2719088427190884Out of the picture2013-09-24T11:18:23+00:002013-09-20T11:45:57+00:00Finn has got his camera. Who does Feifei want to see in the picture? The English We Speak: 24 September 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-09-17:2711803127118031Cut to the chase2013-09-17T08:45:06+00:002013-09-17T07:53:58+00:00Who's chasing Finn and Feifei? Here's a good expression for when you're running out of patience. The English We Speak: 17 September 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-09-10:2697685926976859Have a ball2013-09-10T12:01:54+00:002013-09-10T10:07:49+00:00Do you enjoy volleyball? Come and have a ball with us! The English We Speak: 10 September 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-08-28:2672492126724921Don't make a scene!2013-09-03T10:41:50+00:002013-08-28T14:07:24+00:00Neil and Feifei are about to watch a play but there is a lot of drama outside the theatre. What is going on? The English We Speak: 3 September 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-08-12:2641044026410440Phone slang2013-08-27T11:52:35+00:002013-08-12T11:54:56+00:00When is a bell not a bell, and a dog not a dog? Find out in our programme about phone slang. The English We Speak: 27 August 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-08-06:2629819326298193Can of worms2013-08-20T10:07:50+00:002013-08-06T10:14:20+00:00What's in the can? It's full of worms. But what does 'a can of worms' mean in English? The English We Speak: 20 August 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-08-06:2629749126297491What's his face?2013-08-13T11:31:30+00:002013-08-06T09:48:39+00:00What do you say in English if you can't remember someone's name? The English We Speak: 13 August 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-07-30:2616086726160867Straight from the horse's mouth2013-08-06T08:50:04+00:002013-07-30T07:18:02+00:00Learn English with horses. In fact, learn it 'straight from the horse's mouth' in this programme. The English We Speak: 6 August 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-07-23:2603621426036214After2013-07-30T09:58:15+00:002013-07-23T14:47:51+00:00Join Li and Finn for a drink in the bar and learn a new way to ask someone what they want. The English We Speak: 30 July 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-07-15:2588235625882356Weather idioms2013-07-23T10:35:52+00:002013-07-15T16:27:56+00:00Using weather idioms: is Jen chasing rainbows, or is it a storm in a teacup? The English We Speak: 23 July 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-07-09:2576703825767038Legend2013-07-16T10:58:40+00:002013-07-09T11:26:38+00:00Legends are stories about people who lived long ago, right? Well, there's more to it than that. The English We Speak: 16 July 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-07-02:2562904925629049It's doing my head in!2013-07-09T09:21:10+00:002013-07-02T09:40:39+00:00Annoyed? Frustrated? Angry? Maybe it's doing your head in! The English We Speak: 9 July 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-06-25:2549381225493812The bee's knees2013-07-02T12:09:14+00:002013-06-25T11:19:24+00:00A lovely day for a picnic with tasty food... But watch out for an uninvited guest! The English We Speak: 2 July 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-06-18:2537195325371953To put all your eggs in one basket2013-06-25T11:38:41+00:002013-06-18T19:02:21+00:00How many eggs should you put in one basket? And what has that got to do with taking risks? We can explain in TEWS. The English We Speak: 25 June 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-06-11:2523256225232562Don't make me laugh!2013-06-18T12:34:16+00:002013-06-11T14:57:41+00:00It's laughable. How to say that you think something will never happen. The English We Speak: 18 June 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-06-04:2510041625100416A leopard can't change its spots2013-06-11T09:59:45+00:002013-06-04T15:52:44+00:00Can someone change their personality? A leopard can't change its spots. The English We Speak: 11 June 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-05-28:2496295224962952To see red2013-06-04T10:37:29+00:002013-05-28T14:06:01+00:00Seeing red: what is making Jen and Feifei so angry on their day trip? The English We Speak: 4 June 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-05-21:2482408324824083Haven't slept a wink2013-05-28T08:21:08+00:002013-05-21T10:44:59+00:00Zzzz... 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. The English We Speak: 28 May 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-05-15:2471801124718011Freak2013-05-21T11:22:38+00:002013-05-15T14:57:49+00:00Are you obsessed by a hobby or sport? Feifei is but Jen's not impressed! The English We Speak: 21 May 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-05-07:2455230124552301I wasn't born yesterday2013-05-14T09:18:49+00:002013-05-07T14:27:25+00:00Were you born yesterday? Probably not, but this is a useful expression if someone's trying to fool you. The English We Speak: 14 May 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-04-30:2441664324416643Six-pack2013-05-07T12:08:27+00:002013-04-30T11:40:37+00:00Do 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. The English We Speak: 7 May 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-04-25:2432741524327415To cook the books2013-04-30T14:36:16+00:002013-04-25T13:31:49+00:00Neil is cooking an unusual meal in the BBC Learning English kitchen. Would you like to eat a book? The English We Speak: 30 April 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-04-16:2413795224137952On the up2013-04-23T12:30:57+00:002013-04-16T13:08:32+00:00Things are 'on the up' for Jennifer and Jean at work. Find out why in The English We Speak. The English We Speak: 23 April 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-04-10:2402207024022070LOL!2013-04-16T11:32:21+00:002013-04-10T14:58:32+00:00Do you know what this text message abbreviation means? Find out with Jennifer and Rob in this week's programme.The English We Speak: 16 April 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-04-02:2386818323868183Makeover2013-04-09T14:05:19+00:002013-04-02T16:58:29+00:00Feifei thinks that Catherine looks better, younger, prettier. Why does Catherine look so different today? Find out more with The English We Speak. The English We Speak: 9 April 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-03-26:2374195723741957A white elephant2013-04-02T12:30:37+00:002013-03-26T11:30:23+00:00Does Finn have to look after his uncle's white elephant? Find out more with The English We Speak. The English We Speak: 2 April 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-03-19:2361526723615267Finger on the pulse2013-03-26T10:01:52+00:002013-03-19T12:10:52+00:00Finn has his finger on the pulse when Feifei says that she has no clue about some actors in a movie. What does it mean? The English We Speak: 26 March 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-03-12:2349214423492144Cut the mustard2013-03-19T10:34:17+00:002013-03-12T16:20:58+00:00Can Feifei cut the mustard to win a cooking contest? Find out more with The English We Speak. The English We Speak: 19 March 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-02-27:2323430923234309To miss the boat2013-03-12T12:49:21+00:002013-02-27T12:28:44+00:00Does Feifei really need a lifejacket to go to Finn's uncle's party? Find out more about this phrase in this programme.The English We Speak: 12 March 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-02-26:2321570323215703To take (something) on board2013-03-05T10:36:44+00:002013-02-26T13:15:48+00:00This time Li and Rob are at the airport to go on a holiday. What does she need to take on board? The English We Speak: 5 March 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-02-19:2307454423074544The writing is on the wall2013-02-26T13:55:42+00:002013-02-19T12:28:43+00:00Vera gets angry with Dominic when Rob mentions the phrase 'the writing is on the wall'. Is Dominic being naughty? The English We Speak: 26 February 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-02-12:2293688522936885Every Tom Dick and Harry2013-02-19T11:59:09+00:002013-02-12T12:22:01+00:00Kaz invites Tom, Dick and Harry to the studio and introduces them to Yang Li. Who are they? The English We Speak: 19 February 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-02-05:2279640522796405Act your age, not your shoe size2013-02-12T12:03:03+00:002013-02-05T14:37:07+00:00Abigail tells Rob to act his age not his shoe size. But what does this mean? The English We Speak: 12 February 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-01-29:2265083122650831Go to town2013-02-05T12:27:04+00:002013-01-29T12:58:30+00:00Why does Abigail keep saying she's 'going to town'? And what has it got to do with red food? The English We Speak: 5 February 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-01-22:2249767422497674Over the moon2013-01-29T13:06:46+00:002013-01-22T12:19:47+00:00Someone in the office is over the moon about getting a new job. Find out what that really means in this week's programme. The English We Speak: 29 January 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-01-15:2235489822354898To know your onions2013-01-22T12:40:13+00:002013-01-15T13:35:26+00:00Rob needs Li's help in completing a quiz in the newspaper to win a holiday but only if she knows something about onions. The English We Speak: 22 January 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-01-08:2221160922211609Take with a pinch of salt2013-01-15T12:36:51+00:002013-01-08T11:22:53+00:00Kaz and Li are having dinner together in Li's house. But why does Li think that there is a ghost in her house? Find out more here. The English We Speak: 15 January 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2013-01-02:2209370622093706Not rocket science2013-01-08T10:36:27+00:002013-01-02T11:42:26+00:00Li says that presenting The English We Speak is not rocket science. Find out what this expression means in this programme. The English We Speak: 8 January 2013tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2012-12-18:2181750121817501Go down a storm2012-12-31T15:41:56+00:002012-12-18T12:34:33+00:00Kaz says his party 'went down a storm'. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Find out here. The English We Speak: 1 January 2013