BBC The English We Speak

The English We Speak: One size fits all

Loading player...
This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
28 Jul English United Kingdom Language Learning

Other recent episodes

The English We Speak: Side quest

Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721 For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com…
21 Jul 2 min

The English We Speak: Passing Ships

This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei. Find a free transcript here:…
14 Jul 2 min

The English We Speak: Understood the assignment

This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706. For more great language tips and programmes visit…
7 Jul 2 min

The English We Speak: Onto something

Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send…
30 Jun 2 min

The English We Speak: Sell yourself short

When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our…
23 Jun 3 min
All episodes