
Learning English Conversations
共 114 集

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Make a pig's ear of something
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Up to my eyes in
An expression meaning you’re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming. Learn it here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around the clock
An expression that talks about time. Learn it here.

Have in your locker
An expression that talks about something extra you have. Learn it here.

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

Grind someone's gears
Use this expression when something really annoys you. Learn it here.

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

It's giving
An expression meaning something has a certain energy or vibe. Learn it here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Twist someone's arm
An expression meaning to persuade someone. Learn how to use it here.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Throw one's toys out the pram
Here's an expression for when someone reacts dramatically when they don't get what they want.

Makes my skin crawl
Here's an expression for when you're incredibly disgusted by something.

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

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

From the get-go
An expression that means from the beginning. Learn it here.

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

Tug at the heartstrings
Here's an expression for when something makes you feel strong emotions.

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

Crank up
Here's an expression about increasing intensity.

Find your groove
Here's an expression about finding something you love.

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

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

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

The works
A phrase that means everything. Learn more here

Dip your toe into
Learn an expression about trying something new.

Ham-fisted
Here's an expression about clumsiness.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Makes your hair stand on end
Here’s a phrase about things that scare you. Learn how to use it in this programme.

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

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

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

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

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