The English We Speak
By BBC Radio
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Rate for this podcast
Subscribers: 4692
Reviews: 4
Bruno
Jun 24, 2020
andrea
Apr 3, 2020
one of the best english podcast for who want to learn/improve this language.
I'd like if the audios are more longer, like 10 minutes
i think its good from intermediate to advanced.
Keep it up!
Jan 17, 2019
Elvis Alive
Jul 20, 2018
Description
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
It slaps!
153
What do you think is absolutely amazing?
|
Apr 20, 2021 |
|
Have a lot of plates spinning
149
A phrase about having a lot of things to do.
|
Apr 13, 2021 |
|
Pizzazz
173
Do a lot of people remark on how glamorous you are?
|
Apr 06, 2021 |
|
Oomph
173
A word to describe someone with charm and energy!
|
Mar 30, 2021 |
|
Snap up
141
If you snap up something, you get it quickly or immediately and usually with enthusiasm.
|
Mar 23, 2021 |
|
Nothingburger
154
Describing something insignificant
|
Mar 16, 2021 |
|
Awesomesauce
142
Learn a new informal word to describe something amazing.
|
Mar 09, 2021 |
|
Clout
148
Learn an expression about having influence.
|
Mar 02, 2021 |
|
GOAT
154
'GOAT' is used to talk about things or people that we think are the best.
|
Feb 23, 2021 |
|
Workation
179
'Workation' is a combination of the words 'work' and 'vacation'.
|
Feb 16, 2021 |
|
Moonshot
177
Learn an expression used to describe an experimental project.
|
Feb 09, 2021 |
|
Slap-bang
147
Learn a phrase to describe an exact position.
|
Feb 02, 2021 |
|
Sadfishing
170
A word used when someone exaggerates their emotional problems to get attention.
|
Jan 26, 2021 |
|
Mic drop
137
Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.
|
Jan 19, 2021 |
|
Tone deaf
174
Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...
|
Jan 12, 2021 |
|
'A' game
159
Sometimes people need to be on top form and do their best work.
|
Jan 05, 2021 |
|
Frontliner
154
We describe nurses and doctors who have been working on the frontline
|
Dec 28, 2020 |
|
On fleek
149
From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.
|
Dec 15, 2020 |
|
Contact tracing
150
Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.
|
Dec 08, 2020 |
|
Key worker
165
Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
|
Dec 01, 2020 |
|
Sharenting
177
Don't share too many photos of your children!
|
Nov 24, 2020 |
|
Plastic footprint
171
It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.
|
Nov 17, 2020 |
|
Spoiler alert!
155
A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.
|
Nov 10, 2020 |
|
Listicle
182
Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.
|
Nov 02, 2020 |
|
Doomscrolling
154
Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.
|
Oct 27, 2020 |
|
Crowdsourcing
154
Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.
|
Oct 20, 2020 |
|
One step at a time
148
When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.
|
Oct 13, 2020 |
|
Bog-standard
142
How do you describe something that is standard, ordinary and nothing special?
|
Oct 06, 2020 |
|
A wake-up call
170
Learn this expression: it's a warning sign!
|
Sep 29, 2020 |
|
Climate emergency
161
Find out more about this expression and learn things you can do to help the planet.
|
Sep 22, 2020 |
|
Thirsty
156
A word for social media attention-seekers!
|
Sep 15, 2020 |
|
Vanilla
156
Learn a word that can be used to describe something that is basic or bland.
|
Sep 08, 2020 |
|
Roast
160
Learn the other meaning of the word 'roast'.
|
Sep 01, 2020 |
|
Sticking point
171
A 'sticking point' is an issue or a problem in a negotiation that blocks an agreement.
|
Aug 25, 2020 |
|
Flatten the curve
143
Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic.
|
Aug 18, 2020 |
|
Living in a bubble
138
Do you know someone who's a bit sheltered from the problems of the world?
|
Aug 11, 2020 |
|
Cancelled
152
Learn the new meaning of the word 'cancelled'.
|
Aug 04, 2020 |
|
New normal
144
Learn a new expression that describes our new way of life.
|
Jul 28, 2020 |
|
Slippery slope
145
Learn how to describe a situation that is getting worse and might end in disaster.
|
Jul 21, 2020 |
|
Throw shade
152
Learn an expression about criticism.
|
Jul 14, 2020 |
|
Bite the bullet
156
Learn an English expression with bite!
|
Jul 07, 2020 |
|
Blended working
148
A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.
|
Jun 30, 2020 |
|
JOMO
151
Have you ever felt like turning off your phone and not doing something social?
|
Jun 23, 2020 |
|
Furlough
178
Not a new word, but it’s more commonly used recently due to the coronavirus crisis.
|
Jun 16, 2020 |
|
Spill the tea
147
Are you a gossip? You'll love this expression.
|
Jun 09, 2020 |
|
Flexing
188
What word can you use to describe people who show off? Find out with Roy and Feifei.
|
Jun 02, 2020 |
|
Salty
222
Why are people saying 'salty'? Find out with Feifei and Roy.
|
May 26, 2020 |
|
Skeleton crew
185
An expression for when there aren't many people working.
|
May 19, 2020 |
|
Lowkey
218
A word used to describe something you love doing, but are embarrassed to tell people.
|
May 12, 2020 |
|
Live for something
217
Learn a phrase for things that excite you!
|
May 05, 2020 |
|
Cabin fever
246
Some people suffer from this experience.Find out what it means.
|
Apr 28, 2020 |
|
Bang on about something
188
Do you know someone who talks about something so much that it gets annoying?
|
Apr 21, 2020 |
|
Fire
168
Everyone knows what fire is, don't they? Think again! Roy and Feifei teach a new meaning.
|
Apr 14, 2020 |
|
Running on fumes
176
What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!
|
Apr 07, 2020 |
|
Sheeple
145
Follow the crowd and learn a new English expression!
|
Mar 31, 2020 |
|
Hater
150
Learn a phrase to describe a negative attitude.
|
Mar 17, 2020 |
|
Talk shop
151
If you have to talk about work even when you’re not doing it, this is the phrase for you!
|
Mar 10, 2020 |
|
Snackable
158
Learn an expression to describe short online content that you can snack on!
|
Mar 03, 2020 |
|
A memory like a sieve
186
Are you forgetful? This expression is for you!
|
Feb 25, 2020 |
|
Nomophobia
167
Got a fear of not using your mobile phone? Here's how to describe your condition.
|
Feb 18, 2020 |
|
Peacocking
164
Rob and Feifei explain the true meaning of this animal-related phrase.
|
Feb 11, 2020 |
|
Kick into the long grass
173
If you want to delay doing something, where do you kick it?! We have the answer here.
|
Feb 04, 2020 |
|
Rat race
142
The Year of the Rat is here – so Neil has decided to dedicate his life to work.
|
Jan 28, 2020 |
|
Microworker
147
What's a 'microworker'? May be you are one!
|
Jan 21, 2020 |
|
Serial returner
175
Learn a phrase about exchanging clothes.
|
Jan 14, 2020 |
|
Talk the talk
166
Neil can talk the talk, but does he know what he's talking about?
|
Jan 07, 2020 |
|
Out with the old, in with the new
173
As 2020 approaches, learn a phrase to describe what you can do at this time of year.
|
Dec 30, 2019 |
|
The more the merrier
206
It’s Christmas and time to party. Learn a phrase that means more people equals more fun!
|
Dec 23, 2019 |
|
Take one for the team
133
Are you the kind of person who makes sacrifices for others?
|
Dec 17, 2019 |
|
Mind your Ps and Qs
155
Learn an English expression about being polite.
|
Dec 10, 2019 |
|
Dad dancing
158
Swing those arms, shake those hips! Is this the latest dance trend?
|
Dec 03, 2019 |
|
Big data
189
‘Big data’ is a hot term these days, but do you know what it means? Learn here.
|
Nov 26, 2019 |
|
Punch above your weight
161
It sounds violent, but this phrase might surprise you!
|
Nov 19, 2019 |
|
Social media influencer
178
You know all about social media, but ... what is a social media influencer? Learn here.
|
Nov 12, 2019 |
|
Goldilocks
182
A fairy tale with a new meaning
|
Nov 05, 2019 |
|
Ghosting
172
Is someone ignoring all of your calls and messages? Maybe you are being ghosted!
|
Oct 29, 2019 |
|
Slow TV
180
Learn about the TV trend that urges you to relax, slow down and chill out.
|
Oct 22, 2019 |
|
Tiger mother
169
Trying to help your kids succeed in life? These mothers have a strong idea of what to do!
|
Oct 15, 2019 |
|
Buzzkill
186
A phrase for when something spoils your fun.
|
Oct 08, 2019 |
|
Buyer's remorse
171
Have you ever regretted an expensive purchase? This is the phrase for you!
|
Oct 01, 2019 |
|
Freecycle
169
When you don't want to sell, freecycle! Learn what it means.
|
Sep 24, 2019 |
|
Carbon footprint
172
Love to travel but worried about the environment? Here's a phrase for you to use.
|
Sep 17, 2019 |
|
To cough up
181
When is a cough not a cough? We teach you a money-related phrase.
|
Sep 10, 2019 |
|
Brain fade
157
We teach you a phrase that's worth remembering!
|
Sep 03, 2019 |
|
Fib
174
We won’t teach you to lie, but you will learn how to use the word ‘fib’.
|
Aug 27, 2019 |
|
Hot under the collar
166
Cool off and learn this phrase with us.
|
Aug 20, 2019 |
|
Eat your heart out
191
Learn a humorous phrase about being the best!
|
Aug 13, 2019 |
|
Across
162
When is 'across' not a preposition?
|
Aug 06, 2019 |
|
Fat chance
165
Learn an expression about likelihood.
|
Jul 30, 2019 |
|
Milk it
166
A phrase about taking advantage of a situation to gain sympathy or respect
|
Jul 23, 2019 |
|
To cherry-pick
186
We’ve picked the best phrase for you to learn!
|
Jul 16, 2019 |
|
To fight tooth and nail
185
Learn a phrase about working hard to get just what you want.
|
Jul 09, 2019 |
|
It's a small world
157
Learn an expression about coincidences.
|
Jul 02, 2019 |
|
Vanish into thin air
147
Learn an expression about disappearing
|
Jun 25, 2019 |
|
Get the short straw
184
A phrase that sucks!
|
Jun 18, 2019 |
|
Soft skills
161
These are job skills needed to deal with the public, and very much in demand.
|
Jun 11, 2019 |
|
Clever clogs
164
Will wearing new shoes make Feifei more intelligent? Join her and Rob in this programme.
|
May 28, 2019 |
|
Couch surfing
178
Looking for a sofa to sleep on? Learn a phrase to describe your actions.
|
May 21, 2019 |
|
Like riding a bike
167
Learn an English expression about skills we never forget.
|
May 14, 2019 |
|
On fire
179
Can you be on fire without any flames?
|
May 07, 2019 |
|
Dead
188
If something is 'dead good' is that a positive or negative thing?
|
Apr 23, 2019 |
|
Give someone the runaround
159
A phrase about being unhelpful.
|
Apr 16, 2019 |
|
Laughing all the way to the bank
154
When can going to the bank be funny? We've got a phrase that will leave you laughing.
|
Apr 09, 2019 |
|
The joke is on you
193
Find out more about a seriously funny English phrase.
|
Apr 02, 2019 |
|
Keep a lid on it
175
Learn the right English phrase about having to put a stop to something.
|
Mar 26, 2019 |
|
To pull the wool over someone's eyes
172
Here's a phrase about preventing someone from discovering something.
|
Mar 19, 2019 |
|
Take the rough with the smooth
157
Learn an expression about experiencing bad things to enable you to enjoy good things.
|
Mar 12, 2019 |
|
Hard-nosed
143
What is a hard-nosed person like? Find out in this episode of The English We Speak.
|
Mar 05, 2019 |
|
To have a soft spot
174
How do you feel if you really like something or someone? This phrase might help you.
|
Feb 26, 2019 |
|
To make a song and dance (about something)
179
If things don't go your way, how can singing and dancing help?
|
Feb 19, 2019 |
|
Giant killer
184
Here's a phrase to describe the success of a small team.
|
Feb 12, 2019 |
|
A shock to the system
154
A sudden and unpleasant change can come as a shock. Learn a phrase to describe this.
|
Feb 05, 2019 |
|
From pillar to post
161
Moving from place to place can be chaotic. Learn a phrase to describe the situation
|
Jan 29, 2019 |
|
Small talk
161
Here's a phrase that describes making informal conversation about not much.
|
Jan 22, 2019 |
|
A bright spark
169
Here's a clever expression that can describe someone doing something stupid.
|
Jan 15, 2019 |
|
To be all downhill
155
Rob's done all his work! Find out here if it's all downhill until the weekend for him.
|
Jan 08, 2019 |
|
Fireworks
160
Learn a New Year-related expression
|
Jan 01, 2019 |
|
To have all your Christmases come at once
170
An expression for when you have good fortune
|
Dec 28, 2018 |
|
It's the thought that counts
174
Learn a polite thing to say when you receive a bad present.
|
Dec 18, 2018 |
|
Digital detox
181
Learn this very modern expression.
|
Dec 11, 2018 |
|
It leaves a bad taste in your mouth
165
How can a tasty meal leave a bad taste?
|
Dec 04, 2018 |
|
Pea-souper
139
Is it a meal or a type of weather?
|
Nov 27, 2018 |
|
Throw in the towel
158
Learn a phrase about giving up.
|
Nov 20, 2018 |
|
A walk in the park
160
Is walking in the park easy? It can be if you learn this phrase!
|
Nov 13, 2018 |
|
Dumbphone
152
Learn a new name for old tech
|
Nov 06, 2018 |
|
No fear
132
Are you ready for Halloween?
|
Oct 30, 2018 |
|
Something to chew on
153
Feifei gives Neil something to chew on
|
Oct 23, 2018 |
|
Waffle on
175
Not all waffling is good!
|
Oct 16, 2018 |
|
Skew-whiff
187
Describe something that isn't straight.
|
Oct 09, 2018 |
|
Play a blinder
236
Doing something amazing.
|
Oct 02, 2018 |
|
Miffed
211
Has someone annoyed you? Use this word.
|
Sep 25, 2018 |
|
Humblebrag
239
Brag if you must - just don’t humblebrag! Find out what that means with Rob and Feifei.
|
Sep 18, 2018 |
|
Out of your depth
200
A phrase for when you're struggling to do something.
|
Sep 11, 2018 |
|
Mardy
181
A word for a bad mood.
|
Sep 04, 2018 |
|
Curry favour
153
Learn a spicy expression.
|
Aug 28, 2018 |
|
Take the biscuit
168
A sweet phrase for irritating behaviour.
|
Aug 21, 2018 |
|
Step on it
152
Do you need someone to go faster? Use this informal phrase.
|
Aug 14, 2018 |
|
Ping
159
When does the word 'ping' not make a sound? Find out in this programme.
|
Aug 07, 2018 |
|
Crunch time
172
When the time comes to make an important decision, what do you say?
|
Jul 31, 2018 |
|
Have a pop
150
Learn a phrase about having a go at something
|
Jul 24, 2018 |
|
A necessary evil
154
Can you accept something you don't like?
|
Jul 17, 2018 |
|
If the cap fits
147
Learn an expression about accepting criticism
|
Jul 10, 2018 |
|
My bad
160
Learn a phrase about accepting blame
|
Jul 03, 2018 |
|
To have a good nose (for something)
174
Rob and Feifei sniff out a new phrase to learn
|
Jun 26, 2018 |
|
Friends in High Places
162
Learn a phrase about important people
|
Jun 19, 2018 |
|
Catch-22
168
Learn an expression for a no-win situation.
|
Jun 12, 2018 |
|
Let the dust settle
140
Learn a phrase about allowing a situation to become calm again
|
Jun 05, 2018 |
|
Nothing to shout about
143
Learn a phrase about not saying much
|
May 29, 2018 |
|
Let sleeping dogs lie
180
Learn about a trouble-free phrase
|
May 22, 2018 |
|
Bleed someone dry
165
An expression for a financial injury
|
May 15, 2018 |
|
Small change
146
A phrase for trivial things
|
May 08, 2018 |
|
That'll teach you
172
Learn from what you've done
|
May 01, 2018 |
|
An old hand
154
Someone who's skilled and experienced
|
Apr 24, 2018 |
|
Out of the loop
162
Learn a phrase about missing out.
|
Apr 17, 2018 |
|
Rub it in
138
Learn an expression about enjoying someone's misfortunes.
|
Apr 10, 2018 |
|
Smombie
136
Are you a smartphone zombie?
|
Apr 03, 2018 |
|
Freegan
174
Are you someone who only eats food that has been wasted or thrown away? Learn a word that describes what you are
|
Mar 27, 2018 |
|
Barking up the wrong tree
168
Have you ever made the wrong assumption? Here's a dog-related phrase to describe your actions
|
Mar 20, 2018 |
|
Cloud cuckoo land
152
Can you make the impossible possible? This phrase implies you can't but what's it got to do with a cuckoo?
|
Mar 13, 2018 |
|
A taste of your own medicine
162
Payback time
|
Mar 06, 2018 |
|
Happy-go-lucky
179
Relaxed about the future? Here's a phrase that might describe your character
|
Feb 27, 2018 |
|
Whizz-kid
136
Young, clever and successful: find out a phrase that describes someone like this
|
Feb 20, 2018 |
|
The best of both worlds
163
Can you enjoy the advantages of two different situations at the same time? You can if you use this phrase
|
Feb 13, 2018 |
|
Bone idle
172
Are you taking it easy or just being lazy? Here's a phrase to describe your condition
|
Feb 06, 2018 |
|
To cut a long story short
183
Have you got a story to tell? Here's a phrase about just telling the important bits
|
Jan 30, 2018 |
|
A thing
141
Beards have been 'a thing' for a while. Is it now time to shave them off?
|
Jan 29, 2018 |
|
Just the ticket
180
Rob and Feifei help teach a phrase to describe something you really want or need
|
Jan 23, 2018 |
|
Do a runner
137
Is it time to go? Here's a phrase about avoiding a tricky situation
|
Jan 09, 2018 |
|
All that jazz
148
We love slang, idioms, phrases and all that jazz! Learn a new phrase with us
|
Dec 26, 2017 |
|
Not gonna lie
165
A phrase to use when you're being brutally honest
|
Dec 18, 2017 |
|
Up your game
158
Don't know which one to use? You need to up your emoji game
|
Dec 12, 2017 |
|
To shout it from the rooftops
135
Have you heard the good news? This programme has something to shout about!
|
Dec 05, 2017 |
|
To blow the cobwebs away
143
No spiders involved. It's time to get lively and learn a new English phrase
|
Nov 28, 2017 |
|
A knees-up
141
Want to go to a party? This phrase might help you get an invitation
|
Nov 21, 2017 |
|
To put someone on the map
156
Need directions to learn a new English phrase? Here's one about a map and being famous
|
Nov 14, 2017 |
|
Down in the dumps
131
Feeling unhappy? Here's a phrase to describe your mood but don't take it too literally!
|
Nov 07, 2017 |
|
Excuse me!
160
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
|
Oct 31, 2017 |
|
A sting in the tail
168
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!
|
Oct 24, 2017 |
|
So done with
111
Are you doing something very boring? We have just the phrase for you!
|
Oct 17, 2017 |
|
lolz
143
You might know the slang expression ‘LOL’, but do you know about ‘lolz’?
|
Oct 10, 2017 |
|
Have a go
119
Poor Neil gets a lot of criticism in the programme. Of course, it’s all to help you learn English!
|
Oct 03, 2017 |
|
About
115
You know what ‘about’ means, right? But maybe not this extra meaning! Take another look with us
|
Sep 26, 2017 |
|
Wing it
130
Learn an informal expression for when you have to improvise
|
Sep 19, 2017 |
|
Pot luck
153
Not sure what to expect? Learn a phrase about hoping your choice will turn out ok
|
Sep 12, 2017 |
|
It beats me
130
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'
|
Sep 05, 2017 |
|
Jiggery-pokery
106
Tricks and dishonesty: Learn this phrase before it fools you!
|
Aug 29, 2017 |
|
Left, right, and centre
131
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?
|
Aug 22, 2017 |
|
Donkey's years
149
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
|
Aug 15, 2017 |
|
Give us a bell
156
What's that ringing sound? Is it someone giving you a bell? Find out what it all means
|
Aug 08, 2017 |
|
Echo chamber
131
Echo echo echo echo…
|
Aug 01, 2017 |
|
Snowflake
128
Do you melt too easily?
|
Jul 25, 2017 |
|
The heat is on
118
Learn an expression which you can use to say you're under pressure
|
Jul 18, 2017 |
|
Wet weekend
136
When can a wet weekend be dry? Find out with another authentic English expression
|
Jul 11, 2017 |
|
No picnic
122
Some things in life are hard work. Discover a phrase that describes these situations
|
Jul 04, 2017 |
|
A busman's holiday
138
Going on holiday to do your job? What's it got to do with driving a bus?
|
Jun 27, 2017 |
|
Fuddy-duddy
130
Old-fashioned and set in your ways? Could you be one of these people?
|
Jun 20, 2017 |
|
No great shakes
147
Not impressed by something? Here's an expression that describes what you think
|
Jun 13, 2017 |
|
Not a sausage
125
Nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing at all… Not even one little sausage!
|
Jun 06, 2017 |
|
Long
106
Not everything in this life is fun. Learn a phrase to describe boring jobs!
|
May 30, 2017 |
|
Not half
127
Love pizza? Feifei and Neil bring you a phrase to show how much you enjoy something
|
May 23, 2017 |
|
All over the shop
184
Looked everywhere? Learn a phrase about shops that isn’t about shops!
|
May 16, 2017 |
|
It comes with the territory
124
Some things have to be expected. Learn a phrase to describe this situation
|
May 09, 2017 |
|
It won't wash
147
Heard something unconvincing? Maybe it's time to get out the washing powder!
|
May 02, 2017 |
|
Jack-of-all-trades
144
Can you do lots of different things? This could be the phrase to describe you
|
Apr 25, 2017 |
|
The coast is clear
148
Doing something you shouldn't? Here's a phrase about not being caught
|
Apr 18, 2017 |
|
Pull a fast one
136
Make the English you speak sound more natural
|
Apr 11, 2017 |
|
Suck it and see
110
Learn a phrase about having new experiences
|
Apr 04, 2017 |
|
To cut your teeth
124
Starting out in a new profession? Here's an expression about gaining experience
|
Mar 28, 2017 |
|
Shrinkflation
148
Getting less for your money? Could you be the victim of 'shrinkflation'?
|
Mar 21, 2017 |
|
La-la land
131
Is someone making unreasonable requests? Here's where they live
|
Mar 14, 2017 |
|
A different kettle of fish
137
Fishing for a phrase? This could be the one for you
|
Mar 07, 2017 |
|
At the drop of a hat
129
What would Rob do at the drop of a hat? Find out more about this expression
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Feb 28, 2017 |
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Brass neck
176
What does being confident but rude have to do with your neck? Learn an expression that should not be taken literally
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Feb 21, 2017 |
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Reinvent the wheel
143
Wasting time doing something that's been done before? There's a phrase to explain this
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Feb 14, 2017 |
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Frenemy
143
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
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Feb 07, 2017 |
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To be fair
138
Give both sides of the argument with this phrase
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Jan 31, 2017 |
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On the box
120
Watching a ‘box’ can’t be very enjoyable, can it?
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Jan 24, 2017 |
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Duck
146
Learn a phrase you can use that features our feathered friend
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Jan 17, 2017 |
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Bottle
113
Use this phrase involving bottles when you’re too afraid to do something
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Jan 10, 2017 |
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Got your number
128
Understanding someone's true intentions
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Jan 03, 2017 |
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Clickbait
156
Learn a word that describes tempting online links
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Dec 20, 2016 |
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Mash-up
131
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
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Dec 13, 2016 |
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Air kiss
135
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
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Dec 06, 2016 |
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Mansplaining
130
A word for when a man explains to a woman something in a way which suggests she's stupid.
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Nov 29, 2016 |
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Rolling in it
132
Neil is rolling on the floor to teach a phrase connected to wealth. Feifei explains
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Nov 22, 2016 |
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Photobomb
156
Feifei and Sian discuss a word to use when something unexpectedly appears in your photo.
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Nov 15, 2016 |
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Cyberchondriac
172
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
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Nov 08, 2016 |
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To wash your dirty linen in public
142
Are you discussing your private life in public? Here's an expression to describe what you're doing
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Nov 01, 2016 |
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Cat got your tongue?
140
There's a cat about and Feifei's not talking. Learn an expression that questions her quietness
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Oct 25, 2016 |
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It takes two to tango
146
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
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Oct 18, 2016 |
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Knee-jerk reaction
128
Feifei kicks Neil in the face after he hits her knee with a hammer. It's all to teach you a useful English expression
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Oct 11, 2016 |
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To have an axe to grind
159
An expression with three related but slightly different meanings connected to strong opinions
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Oct 04, 2016 |
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Close, but no cigar
123
Why is Neil trying to smoke a cigar in the studio? Learn an English expression about almost succeeding
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Sep 27, 2016 |
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Get somebody's goat
126
Neil's goat Fred is a bit smelly but useful for teaching an English expression. Feifei's not happy
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Sep 20, 2016 |
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Bust a gut
130
Neil's wearing a vest in the studio to teach an expression about effort. Feifei's concerned he'll injure himself
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Sep 13, 2016 |
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Old-school
139
Feifei has written a letter to her family. Find out why Sian finds this old-school
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Sep 06, 2016 |
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Shedloads
133
Sian has received lots of emails! Learn another way to say 'lots'
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Aug 30, 2016 |
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Hangry
134
Sian is irritable today because she skipped breakfast! Learn an adjective to describe people who feel angry when they get hungry
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Aug 23, 2016 |
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To pull something out of the hat
154
What can you pull out of a hat? Learn an expression that describes doing something that saves the day
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Aug 16, 2016 |
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Off the hook
112
Are you obliged to do something you can't or don't want to? We teach you what to say
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Aug 04, 2016 |
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Barefaced
146
Is someone telling an outrageous lie? Here's an expression we can use
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Jul 26, 2016 |
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To make a mountain out of a molehill
145
Someone making a big fuss about something small? Here's a phrase to describe what they're doing
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Jul 19, 2016 |
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The last straw/final straw
143
When friendship is under test, something tiny and as light as a straw could cause a huge problem
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Jul 12, 2016 |
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The university of life
151
Want to learn about life? Here's a place most of us have studied at
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Jul 05, 2016 |
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White collar worker / blue-collar worker
159
What does the colour of your clothes say about your job?
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Jun 28, 2016 |
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Drama queen
149
No need to be in the theatre to find a drama queen. We teach you where to find them…
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Jun 21, 2016 |
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It's on the cards
127
An expression for when something is likely to happen. What's on the cards for you?
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Jun 14, 2016 |
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Until you're blue in the face
164
Is nobody listening to you? Learn a colourful phrase to explain the situation
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Jun 07, 2016 |
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Clean up your act
167
Someone behaving badly? Here's a phrase that tells them what to do
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May 31, 2016 |
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You're pulling my leg!
159
Want to trick someone? Here is a phrase that involves pulling a part of your body!
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May 24, 2016 |
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One good turn deserves another
163
A helpful phrase for doing something good
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May 17, 2016 |
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To fall at the first hurdle
165
Got an idea that's never going to work? Here is a phrase to describe the situation
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May 10, 2016 |
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Pain in the neck
117
Learn the phrase Helen needs to describe the headache her mobile phone company is causing her
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May 03, 2016 |
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Burn a hole in your pocket
149
When you are in the habit of spending all your money as soon as it comes in, you can use this phrase to express yourself
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Apr 26, 2016 |
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To turn something upside down
121
How to describe doing a thorough search for something in a very messy way
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Apr 19, 2016 |
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Going forward
139
How do you ask someone to change the way they do things in the future? Learn this phrase connected to motion
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Apr 12, 2016 |
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A recipe for disaster
173
When things go wrong and the outcome isn't good, what kind of recipe are you following? Learn a phrase that has nothing to do with cooking
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Apr 05, 2016 |
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Crash course
133
When you need to learn something very quickly, it’s worth considering a super fast learning programme, but it’s not for everyone
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Mar 29, 2016 |
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You've sold it to me
134
When you are in total agreement with ideas or suggestions from others, try a new phrase to express yourself
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Mar 22, 2016 |
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Full of the joys of spring
156
What time of the year describes a good mood? Learn this lively and cheerful phrase
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Mar 15, 2016 |
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Six of one, half a dozen of the other
137
Is this expression related to numbers? If half a dozen is six, what does this expression mean? Listen to the programme
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Mar 01, 2016 |
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Test the water
132
How can you make sure a new project is going to be a successful? Here's a piece of good advice
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Feb 23, 2016 |
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To lie through your teeth
153
Not telling the truth is not a good thing to do. Learn a phrase to describe your actions
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Feb 16, 2016 |
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To make a monkey out of me
173
Rob's been asked to dress up like a monkey but it seems like someone is literally making a monkey out of him!
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Feb 09, 2016 |
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There's method to my madness
152
Although other people may think you are behaving rather strangely, you know what you are doing. There's a reason and a phrase to describe your behaviour
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Jan 26, 2016 |
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In good nick
124
Learn a phrase to describe something in top condition
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Jan 19, 2016 |
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Cheap and cheerful
125
Most people like a present that is cheap and cheerful. But no one likes something that is cheap and nasty
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Jan 12, 2016 |
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A bitter pill to swallow
178
When a situation is hard to accept, what do you say? This phrase could be for you
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Jan 05, 2016 |
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Potty
120
When we see people going crazy about something, here is an alternative expression
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Dec 31, 2015 |
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I'm game
119
Neil is dying for a game of squash but Li is not game. Find out why...
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Dec 22, 2015 |
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That'll put hairs on your chest!
158
Learn a humorous expression that is used when someone is going to have a strong alcoholic drink
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Dec 15, 2015 |
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Down the pan
138
When things are not going as planned, we can say they've gone ‘down the pan’, but which pan is it?
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Dec 01, 2015 |
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Sweet tooth
147
Do you have a sweet tooth? Is it something that you are born with or do you develop it?
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Nov 17, 2015 |
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Bumper-to-bumper
143
When a car bumper is almost touch another car bumper, you know the situation on the road is bad
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Nov 10, 2015 |
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Eye candy
144
How can you describe someone good looking but not interesting?
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Nov 03, 2015 |
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Thingy
131
Oh no, you've forgotten the word for something! Don't worry, this expression might help
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Oct 27, 2015 |
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Across the pond
150
Are London and New York separated by a pond? Learn this expression people say on both sides of the Atlantic
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Oct 20, 2015 |
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People person
143
Are you good at working with other people? This expression might describe you
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Oct 13, 2015 |
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It's a steal!
158
Have you paid very little money for something normally expensive? Learn an expression for when you find a bargain
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Oct 06, 2015 |
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Bull and bear market
177
Learn what you say when share prices rise and when they fall. We help you to understand financial terms
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Sep 29, 2015 |
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Social media words
153
'Trolls' and 'haters' are the people who want to annoy you. The names are part of the new vocabulary of social media
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Sep 22, 2015 |
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Don't give up the day job
151
If you don't think someone is very good at doing something what should you say? Here's a phrase to help you
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Sep 15, 2015 |
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A barrel of laughs
175
What object is full of laughs? This is a phrase that describes someone who is fun
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Sep 08, 2015 |
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To know something like the back of your hand
139
Do you know a place very well? Are you able to find your way in a place without looking at any maps? Here is a way of saying it with help from your hand
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Sep 01, 2015 |
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Give me credit
162
Learn a phrase that's full of praise. You won't need a credit card to use this one
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Aug 18, 2015 |
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To keep the wolf from the door
164
Who's that knocking at the door? Someone's here to tell you you're in financial trouble
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Aug 11, 2015 |
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Red tape
152
Fed up with rules and regulations? You must learn this expression
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Jul 14, 2015 |
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To drink someone under the table
144
Drink to celebrate the good things in life, drink to forget the bad. Here's an expression for people who like an alcoholic drink
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Jun 30, 2015 |
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Cyberbullying
151
Is there someone tormenting you online? Here's an expression for when people hide behind a computer to attack others
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Jun 16, 2015 |
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A close shave
131
What's a razor got to do with Rob's bike ride to work? Here's an expression for when you've had a narrow escape.
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May 19, 2015 |
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My mind's gone blank
127
Why did Rob ask Feifei to meet him in the studio? Here's an expression for when you've forgotten something.
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May 12, 2015 |
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To sleep on it
159
Find out how 'sleeping on it' doesn't just mean lying on a bed!
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May 05, 2015 |
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All over the place
125
Neil can't find his script. His pen's gone missing. He's feeling a bit confused. What's wrong with him? Find out in the programme.
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Apr 28, 2015 |
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To go around the houses
165
Feifei wants to borrow Rob's car but she takes a long time getting to the point. Find out why Rob tells her not to go around the houses. And why doesn't Rob want her to drive his car?
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Apr 21, 2015 |
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Done and dusted
142
When someone says the phrase 'done and dusted', do they mean doing some proper cleaning?
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Apr 14, 2015 |
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Chill pill
163
It's hard to swallow but maybe it's time for a chill pill!
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Apr 07, 2015 |
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Put a sock in it!
194
Why has Helen put a sock in the toaster and how is that going to keep her quiet?
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Mar 31, 2015 |
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A wild card
132
Who's the wild card in the office? Rob and Feifei use a phrase to describe an unpredictable colleague.
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Mar 31, 2015 |
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To take a shot / stab in the dark
169
Feifei thinks someone's been killed but then discovers taking a stab in the dark doesn't involve using knives!
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Mar 17, 2015 |
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To keep a lid on it
162
Li and Neil go for a coffee, but why do they have to keep a lid on it?
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Mar 10, 2015 |