The English We Speak

Do you ever feel like your creativity just vanishes? Here's a phrase for that situation.

A phrase to use when someone says something that is ridiculous or blatantly untrue.

How are you looking today? Could you be having a bad hair day?

Make the English you speak sound more natural

Learn a new expression about not believing someone’s promises.

Sometimes it’s impossible to find someone. Here's a phrase to use in this situation.

Learn an odd expression which means something is a little good but mainly bad

Learn a phrase about things that are unlikely to happen.

What’s gathering dust in your house?

Talking about doing things can be easy, but doing them can be a bit more complicated.

A phrase for when a situation becomes more mysterious.

Discover more about this nautical phrase in The English We Speak.

If you want tell someone to ignore what you’re doing, what can you say?

Who’s cramping your style?

Learn an expression for unbelievable events.

Do you know someone who is really hip and trendy?

Sometimes we do things that are simple. Learn an 'easy' phrase to describe this.

Learn a phrase about disappointment.

We have the perfect phrase to describe making the most of what you’ve got left.

Learn a phrase about understanding someone.

Learn a phrase about making a special effort to dress smartly.

Learn a phrase to show surprise when receiving a gift

If someone’s 'not looking too clever', are we doubting their intelligence?

Don't like what you hear? Say it with this expression!

Learn what to say when you agree with someone about some or all of what they said.

Learn a phrase about having an additional skill.

When someone criticises something you’ve done, what do you do?

Learn a phrase about talking nonsense.

An expression for when we want to repeat exactly what someone has said.

Learn an expression for when something is far worse than something else.

Do you know someone who always tells the truth?

An expression you can use to talk food you can't resist.

Do you know a famous living person? Here’s a phrase to describe them.

What or who do you think about all the time?

Learn how to show that you like someone’s idea.

Here’s the expression you can use to talk about something special.

Learn an expression to describe how exaggerated some people are.

Do you want to make something more interesting by changing it slightly?

Learn an expression to introduce a surprising part of a story.

Here’s an expression to describe an important and powerful person.

A word for when you want to say that something is really embarrassing.

Learn an expression to talk about why you love or hate something.

Some things are obvious but maybe this word isn’t. Listen to the programme.

If there is something you are interested in doing now, we have an expression for you.

Learn a new meaning of the word 'savage'.

Learn an informal word to say something is amazing.

Learn an informal word to express shock.

Do you live for the moment?

If you want to say something has a good aura, we have an expression you can use.

Do you know what to call someone who’s new to something or very inexperienced?

Learn a word to describe behaving like an adult.

Learn a phrase about delaying things.

If you want to say you’re the best at something, you could use this expression!

We all like to talk, but some people don’t know when to stop.

What do you call a job badly done?

What do you think is absolutely amazing?

A phrase about having a lot of things to do.

Do a lot of people remark on how glamorous you are?

A word to describe someone with charm and energy!

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

Describing something insignificant

Learn a new informal word to describe something amazing.

Learn an expression about having influence.

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

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

Learn an expression used to describe an experimental project.

Learn a phrase to describe an exact position.

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

Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.

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

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

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

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

Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Don't share too many photos of your children!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn this expression: it's a warning sign!

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

A word for social media attention-seekers!

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

Learn the other meaning of the word 'roast'.

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

Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Learn the new meaning of the word 'cancelled'.

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

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

Learn an expression about criticism.

Learn an English expression with bite!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn a phrase for things that excite you!

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

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

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

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

Follow the crowd and learn a new English expression!

Learn a phrase to describe a negative attitude.

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

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

Are you forgetful? This expression is for you!

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

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

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

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

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

Learn a phrase about exchanging clothes.

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

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

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

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

Learn an English expression about being polite.

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

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

It sounds violent, but this phrase might surprise you!

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

A fairy tale with a new meaning

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

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

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

A phrase for when something spoils your fun.

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

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

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

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

We teach you a phrase that's worth remembering!

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

Cool off and learn this phrase with us.

Learn a humorous phrase about being the best!

When is 'across' not a preposition?

Learn an expression about likelihood.

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

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

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

Learn an expression about coincidences.

Learn an expression about disappearing

A phrase that sucks!

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

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

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

Learn an English expression about skills we never forget.

Can you be on fire without any flames?

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

A phrase about being unhelpful.

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

Find out more about a seriously funny English phrase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn a New Year-related expression

An expression for when you have good fortune

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

Learn this very modern expression.

How can a tasty meal leave a bad taste?

Is it a meal or a type of weather?

Learn a phrase about giving up.

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

Learn a new name for old tech

Are you ready for Halloween?

Feifei gives Neil something to chew on

Not all waffling is good!

Describe something that isn't straight.

Doing something amazing.

Has someone annoyed you? Use this word.

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

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

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

A word for a bad mood.

Learn a spicy expression.

A sweet phrase for irritating behaviour.

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

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

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

Learn a phrase about having a go at something

Can you accept something you don't like?

Learn an expression about accepting criticism

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

Learn a phrase about accepting blame

Rob and Feifei sniff out a new phrase to learn

Learn a phrase about important people

Learn an expression for a no-win situation.

Learn a phrase about allowing a situation to become calm again

Learn a phrase about not saying much

A trouble-free phrase

An expression for a financial injury

A phrase for trivial things

Learn from what you've done

Someone who's skilled and experienced

Learn a phrase about missing out.

Learn an expression about enjoying someone's misfortunes.

Are you a smartphone zombie?

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

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

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

Payback time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A phrase to use when you're being brutally honest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Learn an informal expression for when you have to improvise

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

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'

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

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?

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

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

Echo echo echo echo…

Do you melt too easily?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make the English you speak sound more natural

Learn a phrase about having new experiences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give both sides of the argument with this phrase

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

Learn a phrase you can use that features our feathered friend

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

Understanding someone's true intentions

Learn a word that describes tempting online links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When a colour describes the kind of work you do. Learn about colours representing jobs