Synopsis
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
Episodes
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Hunky-dory
22/10/2012 Duration: 03minRob and Chris mention the phrase 'hunky-dory' to Helen. Are they trying to say that they are muscular men? Find out what this phrase means with The English We Speak.
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Things are looking up
15/10/2012 Duration: 03minHelen gets confused when she hears that 'things are looking up'. Find out what this phrase means with The English We Speak.
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My mind has gone blank
08/10/2012 Duration: 03minRosie's mind has gone blank in the studio! Does that mean she's lost her memory? Listen to this programme to find out.
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Throw the book at somebody
24/09/2012 Duration: 04minRosie arrives late again and she tells Helen that their boss will throw the book at her. Is he going to hurt her?
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A finger in every pie
17/09/2012 Duration: 03minJen made some delicious pies but what does it mean when we say she has 'a finger in every pie'?
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Finding your feet
10/09/2012 Duration: 02minHelen and Rosie are doing a salsa class, but Rosie is still finding her feet. What does it mean?
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The skin of your teeth
03/09/2012 Duration: 03minJennifer managed to do something by the skin of her teeth. What does it mean?
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No-win situation
27/08/2012 Duration: 04minRob finds himself in a no-win situation although he wins a horse racing bet. What does it mean?
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Plain sailing
20/08/2012 Duration: 04minLi joins Rob on a sailing boat. Listen to their excursion and learn some sailing idioms..
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Down with the kids
13/08/2012 Duration: 03minWhy is Rob dressing like a teenager? Find out in The English We Speak!
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Keep me posted
23/07/2012 Duration: 02minNeil gets in trouble with the police just to teach you a new expression! Find out more in The English We Speak.
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To go bananas
16/07/2012 Duration: 03minLi thinks Neil is a bit out of control and says he's gone bananas. Has this got anything to do with fruit?
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Not give someone the time of day
09/07/2012 Duration: 02minWhat does Rosie mean when she tells Li to put her money where her mouth is? Li is confused and thinks it's really disgusting. Listen to more of their conversation about this expression!
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Put your money where your mouth is: 02 JUL12
02/07/2012 Duration: 03minWhat does Rosie mean when she tells Li to put her money where her mouth is? Li is confused and thinks it's really disgusting. Listen to more of their conversation about this expression!
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To fly by the seat of your pants
25/06/2012 Duration: 02minCan Chris fly by the seat of his pants? Li and Chris discuss the use of this phrase.
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To bend over backwards
18/06/2012 Duration: 02minWhat are the different meanings of the phrase 'to bend over backwards'?
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It's a joke
11/06/2012 Duration: 02minDoes the expression 'it's a joke' mean something funny? Find out more in this week's The English We Speak.