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Learning English Conversations

114

Cut corners
20
B1
英语会话
2:51

Cut corners

If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression here with Feifei and Georgie.

3/9/2026
Short-change
4
B1
英语会话
3:02

Short-change

If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie.

3/2/2026
Go through a rough patch
3
B1
英语会话
2:34

Go through a rough patch

Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. When that happens we go through a rough patch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

2/23/2026
Learn the hard way
1
B1
英语会话
2:42

Learn the hard way

If you learn something the hard way, it's because you weren’t listening or you made a mistake. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

2/16/2026
A big ask
1
B1
英语会话
2:29

A big ask

If you ask someone to do something difficult, it's a big ask. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

2/9/2026
Facepalm moment
0
B1
英语会话
2:50

Facepalm moment

Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here.

2/2/2026
Shoot off
3
B1
英语会话
1:40

Shoot off

This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here.

1/26/2026
Hot on the heels
0
B1
英语会话
2:12

Hot on the heels

This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here.

1/19/2026
Aura farming
0
B1
英语会话
2:33

Aura farming

This expression means do something for attention or praise. Learn how to use it here.

1/12/2026
Lock in
2
B1
英语会话
2:07

Lock in

This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here.

1/5/2026
A fresh start
1
B1
英语会话
2:08

A fresh start

A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

12/29/2025
A little something
0
B1
英语会话
2:26

A little something

If someone gets you a little something, they get you a small gift, or a gift that they want you to think is small. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

12/22/2025
Moment of truth
2
B1
英语会话
2:14

Moment of truth

Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme.

12/15/2025
Keep someone on their toes
0
B1
英语会话
2:25

Keep someone on their toes

This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.

12/8/2025
duck out
0
B1
英语会话
2:04

duck out

This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.

12/1/2025
off base
0
B1
英语会话
2:25

off base

This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here.

11/24/2025
Take someone under your wing
0
B1
英语会话
2:20

Take someone under your wing

When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

11/17/2025
No two ways about it
0
B1
英语会话
2:04

No two ways about it

If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

11/10/2025
-coded
0
B1
英语会话
2:39

-coded

Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.

11/3/2025
Make a pig's ear of something
0
B1
英语会话
2:31

Make a pig's ear of something

This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.

10/27/2025
-core
4
B1
英语会话
2:01

-core

This expression describes the vibe of something. Learn it here.

10/20/2025
Cook
0
B1
英语会话
1:57

Cook

This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. Learn it here.

10/13/2025
Neck of the woods
0
B1
英语会话
1:49

Neck of the woods

This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it with Feifei and Phil.

10/6/2025
Teething problems
0
B1
英语会话
2:16

Teething problems

Teething problems are issues that you have when you’re getting used to something new. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

9/29/2025
No leg to stand on
0
B1
英语会话
2:15

No leg to stand on

My friend tried to return a dress to the shop after she'd worn it and spilt food all over it - she had no leg to stand on! Learn how to use this phrase with Georgie and Feifei.

9/22/2025
Speak someone's language
0
B1
英语会话
2:16

Speak someone's language

Say 'You're speaking my language' when you want to express something similar to 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'. Learn more about this idiom with Georgie and Feifei.

9/15/2025
Ate
0
B1
英语会话
1:54

Ate

This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.

9/8/2025
Muddle along
0
B1
英语会话
2:07

Muddle along

An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.

9/1/2025
Tough it out
0
B1
英语会话
1:55

Tough it out

When you face a difficult time, you can tough it out. Find out how we use this phrase in this programme with Phil and Feifei.

8/25/2025
A you problem
0
B1
英语会话
2:26

A you problem

Don't know this expression? That sounds like a you problem. Learn how to use it with Phil and Feifei.

8/18/2025
Can't put my finger on it
0
B1
英语会话
2:33

Can't put my finger on it

I know I recognise you, but I can't quite put my finger on where we met. Learn how to use this phrase with Georgie and Feifei.

8/11/2025
All hands on deck
0
B1
英语会话
2:33

All hands on deck

This phrase comes from a boating context. Learn how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.

8/4/2025
The CEO of
0
B1
英语会话
2:04

The CEO of

This expression is a funny or silly way of saying someone is the best at something. Learn it here.

7/28/2025
Up to my eyes in
0
B1
英语会话
2:18

Up to my eyes in

An expression meaning you’re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming. Learn it here.

7/21/2025
Dabble in
0
B1
英语会话
2:06

Dabble in

Here's an expression that talks about doing something for fun. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.

7/14/2025
Rope someone in
0
B1
英语会话
2:32

Rope someone in

This phrasal verb is about persuading someone to do something. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei.

7/7/2025
Scratch the surface
0
B1
英语会话
2:35

Scratch the surface

This phrase is about dealing with only a small part of something. Learn how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.

6/30/2025
Step into the shoes
0
B1
英语会话
2:06

Step into the shoes

This is an expression about responsibility. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.

6/24/2025
Drop
0
B1
英语会话
2:03

Drop

An expression meaning something exciting like a song or TV show is released. Learn it here.

6/16/2025
All you like
0
B1
英语会话
2:15

All you like

An expression meaning whatever you say or do won't change the situation. Learn it here.

6/9/2025
Around the clock
0
B1
英语会话
1:52

Around the clock

An expression that talks about time. Learn it here.

6/2/2025
Have in your locker
0
B1
英语会话
2:14

Have in your locker

An expression that talks about something extra you have. Learn it here.

5/26/2025
Come full circle
0
B1
英语会话
2:42

Come full circle

An expression meaning to return to where you started, but in a positive way. Learn it here.

5/19/2025
Grind someone's gears
0
B1
英语会话
2:38

Grind someone's gears

Use this expression when something really annoys you. Learn it here.

5/12/2025
Feel seen
0
B1
英语会话
2:57

Feel seen

An expression meaning your experiences or feelings are represented. Learn it here.

5/5/2025
It's giving
0
B1
英语会话
1:59

It's giving

An expression meaning something has a certain energy or vibe. Learn it here.

4/28/2025
Dial down
0
B1
英语会话
2:15

Dial down

You don't need a dial to dial something down. It's an expression we use to talk about reducing the intensity of something. Learn how to use it in this programme.

4/21/2025
The name of the game
1
B1
英语会话
2:34

The name of the game

We use 'the name of the game' to talk about the most important aspect of something, or the expectations that go with it. Learn how to use it in this programme.

4/14/2025
Do it for the plot
0
B1
英语会话
2:25

Do it for the plot

An expression for when you make spontaneous life decisions for your own entertainment and others'. Learn how to use it here.

4/7/2025
Let something slide
0
B1
英语会话
2:52

Let something slide

You're late! I'll let it slide just this once... This phrase has two meanings. Learn them and hear some examples in this episode. 

3/31/2025
Twist someone's arm
0
B1
英语会话
2:19

Twist someone's arm

An expression meaning to persuade someone. Learn how to use it here.

3/24/2025
Have someone on
0
B1
英语会话
2:12

Have someone on

This means making someone believe something that isn't true, but in a jokey way. Learn how to use this expression here.

3/17/2025
Can-do attitude
0
B1
英语会话
2:16

Can-do attitude

If you have a can-do attitude, you don't let anything stop you. Learn how to use this expression here.

3/10/2025
Go-to
0
B1
英语会话
2:00

Go-to

Your 'go-to' is your preferred option. Learn how to use this expression here.

3/3/2025
Skedaddle
1
B1
英语会话
2:16

Skedaddle

Skedaddle is an informal English verb which means to leave somewhere in a hurry. Learn how to use it here.

2/24/2025
Fall on stony ground
1
B1
英语会话
2:35

Fall on stony ground

If your suggestion falls on stony ground, it means people hate it or ignore it. Learn this expression here.

2/10/2025
Make a rod for your own back
1
B1
英语会话
2:10

Make a rod for your own back

If you make a rod for your own back, it means you are doing something that will cause you problems in the future. Learn this expression here.

2/3/2025
Ship
1
B1
英语会话
2:42

Ship

A word that means you want two people to be in a relationship. Learn it here.

1/27/2025
Twig
1
B1
英语会话
2:55

Twig

A word for when you suddenly realise or understand something. Learn it here.

1/20/2025
Mooch
1
B1
英语会话
2:27

Mooch

"Let's have a mooch!" - learn an informal British English word.

1/13/2025
By the book
1
B1
英语会话
2:04

By the book

This expression is all about following the rules. Learn how to use it here.

1/6/2025
Turn over a new leaf
12
B1
英语会话
2:52

Turn over a new leaf

Many of us hope to turn over a new leaf when a new year starts. It means to start again and move on from the past. Learn how to use this phrase in this programme.

12/30/2024
You can't go wrong with
2
B1
英语会话
2:06

You can't go wrong with

When someone tells you 'can't go wrong' with their suggestion, they're telling you that you can't fail if you use it. Learn how to use this phrase in this programme.

12/23/2024
The flip side
2
B1
英语会话
2:44

The flip side

An expression to change someone's perspective. Learn it here.

12/16/2024
In my travel era
1
B1
英语会话
2:42

In my travel era

An expression that means you're focussed on one thing at a particular period of life. Learn it here.

12/9/2024
Give it some welly!
1
B1
英语会话
2:18

Give it some welly!

Say this if you want to encourage someone to put some more effort into an activity. Learn how to use it here.

12/2/2024
Shoehorn something in
1
B1
英语会话
2:33

Shoehorn something in

Have you ever used a shoehorn to squeeze your foot somewhere it doesn't quite fit? Learn a related expression here

11/25/2024
On the fly
1
B1
英语会话
1:59

On the fly

Is it better to work out what you're cooking on the fly, or to follow a recipe? Learn a phrase to talk about improvising something.

11/18/2024
That's on you
1
B1
英语会话
2:21

That's on you

When someone tells you 'that's on you', they're telling you that it's your fault. We often use this phrase to remind people of their responsibility.

11/11/2024
Warts and all
1
B1
英语会话
2:49

Warts and all

An expression that means including all your imperfections. Learn it here.

11/4/2024
Off the scale
1
B1
英语会话
2:13

Off the scale

An expression that means goes far beyond what is expected. Learn it here.

10/28/2024
Throw one's toys out the pram
1
B1
英语会话
2:51

Throw one's toys out the pram

Here's an expression for when someone reacts dramatically when they don't get what they want.

10/21/2024
Makes my skin crawl
1
B1
英语会话
2:30

Makes my skin crawl

Here's an expression for when you're incredibly disgusted by something.

10/14/2024
An uphill task
1
B1
英语会话
2:34

An uphill task

Learning English can feel like an uphill task sometimes. This is a phrase about something that needs energy and determination.

10/7/2024
Bide someone's time
1
B1
英语会话
2:37

Bide someone's time

Sometimes it's best to bide your time. This is a phrase about waiting patiently for an opportunity.

9/30/2024
From the get-go
1
B1
英语会话
2:10

From the get-go

An expression that means from the beginning. Learn it here. 

9/23/2024
Stomping ground
1
B1
英语会话
2:47

Stomping ground

Here's an expression you can use about somewhere you live or visit very often. Learn it here.

9/16/2024
Tug at the heartstrings
1
B1
英语会话
2:46

Tug at the heartstrings

Here's an expression for when something makes you feel strong emotions.

9/9/2024
Clutch at straws
1
B1
英语会话
3:01

Clutch at straws

Here's an expression you can use when you're in a desperate situation.

9/2/2024
Crank up
1
B1
英语会话
2:32

Crank up

Here's an expression about increasing intensity.

8/26/2024
Find your groove
1
B1
英语会话
2:43

Find your groove

Here's an expression about finding something you love.

8/19/2024
Top-notch
1
B1
英语会话
2:44

Top-notch

An expression that means something is very high quality. Learn it here.

8/12/2024
Off the cuff
1
B1
英语会话
3:21

Off the cuff

An expression that means you say something without preparing first. Learn it here.

8/5/2024
Take the wheel
1
B1
英语会话
3:03

Take the wheel

This expression is all about being in control. Learn about it here

7/29/2024
The works
1
B1
英语会话
3:24

The works

A phrase that means everything. Learn more here

7/22/2024
Dip your toe into
1
B1
英语会话
3:36

Dip your toe into

Learn an expression about trying something new.

7/15/2024
Ham-fisted
1
B1
英语会话
3:34

Ham-fisted

Here's an expression about clumsiness.

7/8/2024
Second nature
1
B1
英语会话
3:20

Second nature

Here's an expression that means you can do something without having to think about it, because it's so familiar to you.

7/1/2024
Take the plunge
1
B1
英语会话
3:10

Take the plunge

If you take the plunge, you make an important decision that cannot be easily reversed. Learn more here.

6/24/2024
Peaks and troughs
1
B1
英语会话
3:16

Peaks and troughs

Ever felt like you’re on the rollercoaster of life and you don’t know a good way to say it? Here’s a phrase that’ll help you express yourself.

6/17/2024
Heavy lifting
1
B1
英语会话
3:15

Heavy lifting

Heavy lifting isn’t about the gym. Learn this expression here.

6/10/2024
stir the pot
1
B1
英语会话
2:25

stir the pot

Some people just love causing trouble. This expression is about them!

6/3/2024
wishy-washy
1
B1
英语会话
2:18

wishy-washy

Here's an expression to use when things are just too vague.

5/27/2024
Shook
1
B1
英语会话
2:13

Shook

A word to express surprise or shock. Learn more here.

5/20/2024
Let loose
1
B1
英语会话
1:54

Let loose

An expression that means relax and celebrate. Learn more here.

5/13/2024
Zing
1
B1
英语会话
2:11

Zing

Here's a word to describe something exciting. Find out how to use it in this programme.

5/6/2024
Do the trick
1
B1
英语会话
2:14

Do the trick

Here's an expression that describes something solving a problem. Find out how to use it in this programme.

4/29/2024
Beige flag
1
B1
英语会话
2:25

Beige flag

An expression that describes a habit you find strange, but doesn't make you not like someone. Learn how to use it here.

4/22/2024
Lay it on thick
1
B1
英语会话
2:03

Lay it on thick

An expression about exaggerating or praising someone too much. Learn how to use it here.

4/16/2024
Telling porkies
1
B1
英语会话
2:08

Telling porkies

Here's a light-hearted expression about not telling the truth. Find out exactly what it means and when we use it in this programme.

4/9/2024
In on it
1
B1
英语会话
2:09

In on it

If someone lets you 'in on' a secret, they tell it to you, and if you 'get in on' something, you get involved in it. Learn more about in on something here.

4/2/2024
Walk someone through
1
B1
英语会话
2:15

Walk someone through

Here's an expression to talk about guiding someone through something, or explaining something to them. Learn how to use it in this programme.

3/25/2024
Brick by brick
1
B1
英语会话
2:24

Brick by brick

Here’s a phrase that is about doing things gradually. Learn how to use it in this programme.

3/18/2024
Cook up an idea
1
B1
英语会话
2:13

Cook up an idea

Here’s a phrase that means to come up with an idea carefully. Learn how to use it in this programme.

3/11/2024
Read the room
1
B1
英语会话
2:07

Read the room

Here’s a phrase that means to work out how people feel. Learn how to use it in this programme.

3/4/2024
Rinse repeat
1
B1
英语会话
2:00

Rinse repeat

An expression to describe repetitive tiresome actions. Learn how to use it here.

2/26/2024
A million to one
1
B1
英语会话
2:14

A million to one

An expression to say something is extremely unlikely, or that it's almost certain someone will or won't do something.

2/19/2024
Cash in on something
3
B1
英语会话
1:56

Cash in on something

Here’s a phrase about making money on something. Learn how to use it in this programme.

2/12/2024
Makes your hair stand on end
2
B1
英语会话
2:55

Makes your hair stand on end

Here’s a phrase about things that scare you. Learn how to use it in this programme.

2/5/2024
On the go
1
B1
英语会话
2:20

On the go

If you're always busy, you're always 'on the go'. Learn how to use this phrase here.

1/29/2024
A blow
4
B1
英语会话
2:28

A blow

An expression to say something is disappointing. Learn how to use it here.

1/22/2024
Rear its head
4
B1
英语会话
1:55

Rear its head

Here’s a phrase that that talks about problems appearing. Learn how to use it in this programme.

1/15/2024
Elbow grease
9
B1
英语会话
2:25

Elbow grease

Here’s a phrase that describes honest hard physical work. It's elbow grease.

1/8/2024
Bring to the party
8
B1
英语会话
2:14

Bring to the party

Introduction You want to say that you can offer a lot. Learn a phrase for this.

1/2/2024