Learning English

Inspiring language learning since 1943

Summary

Neil and Feifei are sharpening an axe in the studio. Why? To teach you a useful expression which has several, slightly different meanings.

Transcript

Neil
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Neil and joining me is Feifei…

Feifei
Hiya.

Neil
Feifei, can you explain to our listeners why I'm sharpening an axe in the studio.

Feifei
Yes, I can – because in this programme, we've got an expression for you which contains the word 'axe'. It can have three different meanings: 1 - to have an opinion you want other people to accept.

Neil
2 - to be angry or upset about something. to have a hidden plan.

Feifei
And 3 – to have a hidden plan.

Neil
The expression is 'to have an axe to grind'. If you can imagine in the past, if someone did something bad to you, you might want to get revenge – and hurt the person. So you might need a sharp weapon – like an axe!

Feifei
That's horrible.

Neil
In modern use, you can say that someone 'has an axe to grind' but it doesn't mean they're going to attack you with an axe!

Feifei
Let's hear some examples of the different meanings of this expression.

Examples
Oh no here comes Roger. He's got an axe to grind about smoking, so you'd better put that cigarette out or he'll be talking to you for hours about your health.

Don't suggest getting dinner from Yummy Chicken. Jim's had an axe to grind since they fired him last month.

These local politicians have always got an axe to grind. You know they're hiding something from you.

Neil
So, in the first example, the expression 'to have an axe to grind' means to have an opinion you want people to accept. Roger is anti-smoking and he tells smokers just what he thinks of them. He has an axe to grind

Feifei
In the second, Jim got fired by Yummy Chicken so he's upset and angry with the company. He wants some kind of revenge. He's got an axe to grind.

Neil
And in the third one, the politicians are keeping secrets from people. There's something they want to do that they aren't telling you. They have an axe to grind. We should say that this use isn't very common in British English.

Feifei
Well now that's explained, Neil, I think you should put that axe away before someone gets hurt.

Neil
Good idea. It's very sharp now – feel it.

Feifei
Argh! I'll have an axe to grind if you don't put that weapon away!

Both
Bye!

تازه ترین The English We Speak

Lock in
Episode 260105 / 05 Jan 2026
Why is Beth locked in?
A fresh start
Episode 251229 / 29 Dec 2025
Are you going to make a fresh start in the new year?
A little something
Episode 251222 / 22 Dec 2025
We've got a little something for you
Moment of truth
Episode 251215 / 15 Dec 2025
I'm about to open my exam results... It's the moment of truth
Keep someone on their toes
Episode 251208 / 08 Dec 2025
Having a different work schedule each week keeps me on my toes
duck out
Episode 251201 / 01 Dec 2025
Why did Beth duck out of Georgie's party?
off base
Episode 251124 / 24 Nov 2025
"You think I don't like chocolate? You're way off base!"
Take someone under your wing
Episode 251117 / 17 Nov 2025
Have you ever taken someone under your wing?
No two ways about it
Episode 251110 / 10 Nov 2025
You need to listen to this – no two ways about it!
-coded
Episode 251103 / 03 Nov 2025
That internet meme is so you-coded!
Make a pig's ear of something
Episode 251027 / 27 Oct 2025
What does it mean to make a pig's ear of something?
-core
Episode 251020 / 20 Oct 2025
What words can you make with -core?
Cook
Episode 251013 / 13 Oct 2025
"He cooked that performance!"
Neck of the woods
Episode 251006 / 06 Oct 2025
What’s happening in your neck of the woods?
Teething problems
Episode 250929 / 29 Sep 2025
Are you having teething problems with anything?
No leg to stand on
Episode 250922 / 22 Sep 2025
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak
Speak someone's language
Episode 250915 / 15 Sep 2025
Sushi for lunch? You're speaking my language!
Ate
Episode 250908 / 08 Sep 2025
You ate and left no crumbs!
Muddle along
Episode 250901 / 01 Sep 2025
What's the difference between muddle along, muddle on and muddle through?
Tough it out
Episode 250825 / 25 Aug 2025
Have you ever tried to tough it out?
A you problem
Episode 250818 / 18 Aug 2025
What does 'that's a you problem' mean?
Can't put my finger on it
Episode 250811 / 11 Aug 2025
Use this when you can't quite remember something
All hands on deck
Episode 250804 / 04 Aug 2025
Shout 'all hands on deck' if you want everyone to help with something
The CEO of
Episode 250728 / 28 Jul 2025
What are you the CEO of?
Up to my eyes in
Episode 250721 / 21 Jul 2025
What does ‘up to your eyes in’ mean?
Dabble in
Episode 250714 / 13 Jun 2025
What do you dabble in?
Rope someone in
Episode 250707 / 07 Jul 2025
What does it mean to rope someone into an activity?
Scratch the surface
Episode 250630 / 03 Jun 2025
If you've only listened to one of our podcasts, you've barely scratched the surface!
Step into the shoes
Episode 250624 / 24 Jun 2025
Whose shoes are you ready to step into?
Drop
Episode 250616 / 16 Jun 2025
If a new song 'drops', is it good or bad?
All you like
Episode 250609 / 09 Jun 2025
What does 'all you like' mean?
Around the clock
Episode 250602 / 02 Jun 2025
Have you been working around the clock?
Have in your locker
Episode 250526 / 26 May 2025
What have you got in your locker?
Come full circle
Episode 250519 / 19 May 2025
What's a 'full circle moment'?
Grind someone's gears
Episode 250512 / 12 May 2025
What does it mean to 'grind someone's gears'?
Feel seen
Episode 250505 / 05 May 2025
What does it mean to 'feel seen'?
It's giving
Episode 250428 / 28 Apr 2025
What does 'it's giving' mean?
Dial down
Episode 250421 / 21 Apr 2025
Don't dial down your efforts to learn English!
The name of the game
Episode 250414 / 14 Apr 2025
What do you think is 'the name of the game' when you're learning English?
Do it for the plot
Episode 250407 / 07 Apr 2025
Do it for the plot! Do something spontaneous to make life more exciting
Let something slide
Episode 250331 / 31 Mar 2025
You're late! I'll let it slide just this once...
Twist someone's arm
Episode 250324 / 24 Mar 2025
What does it mean to 'twist someone's arm'?
Have someone on
Episode 250317 / 17 Mar 2025
What does it mean if you're 'having someone on'?
Can-do attitude
Episode 250310 / 10 Mar 2025
If you have a can-do attitude, you don't let anything stop you.
Go-to
Episode 250303 / 03 Mar 2025
Your 'go-to' is your preferred option.
Skedaddle
Episode 250224 / 24 Feb 2025
Look at the time! We'd better skedaddle
Fall on stony ground
Episode 250210 / 10 Feb 2025
We hope our advice doesn't fall on stony ground
Make a rod for your own back
Episode 250203 / 03 Feb 2025
Have you ever made a rod for your own back?
Ship
Episode 250127 / 27 Jan 2025
What does it mean if you 'ship' two people?
Twig
Episode 250120 / 20 Jan 2025
I finally twigged who she was!
Mooch
Episode 250113 / 13 Jan 2025
I love mooching around the market
By the book
Episode 250106 / 06 Jan 2025
What does it mean to 'do things by the book'?
Turn over a new leaf
Episode 241230 / 30 Dec 2024
Turn over a new leaf with this episode!
You can't go wrong with
Episode 241223 / 23 Dec 2024
You can't go wrong with this episode!
The flip side
Episode 241216 / 16 Dec 2024
What does 'the flip side' mean?
In my travel era
Episode 241209 / 09 Dec 2024
What does it mean if you're 'in your travel era'?
Give it some welly!
Episode 241202 / 02 Dec 2024
Learn a fun, encouraging British English expression.
Shoehorn something in
Episode 241125 / 25 Nov 2024
My friend shoehorns that topic into every conversation...
On the fly
Episode 241118 / 18 Nov 2024
Can you learn new phrases on the fly?
That's on you
Episode 241111 / 11 Nov 2024
Not learnt this phrase yet? That's on you!
Warts and all
Episode 241104 / 04 Nov 2024
I love my dog, warts and all!
Off the scale
Episode 241028 / 28 Oct 2024
This lesson is off the scale!
Throw one's toys out the pram
Episode 241021 / 21 Oct 2024
Come on! Don't throw your toys out the pram...
Makes my skin crawl
Episode 241014 / 14 Oct 2024
What makes your skin crawl?
An uphill task
Episode 241007 / 07 Oct 2024
What do you find an uphill task?
Bide someone's time
Episode 240930 / 30 Sep 2024
When is it good to bide your time?
From the get-go
Episode 240923 / 23 Sep 2024
I loved English from the get-go!
Stomping ground
Episode 240916 / 16 Sep 2024
Really? That's my old stomping ground!
Tug at the heartstrings
Episode 240909 / 09 Sep 2024
When was the last time something tugged at your heartstrings?
Clutch at straws
Episode 240902 / 02 Sep 2024
When were you last in a desperate situation?
Crank up
Episode 240826 / 26 Aug 2024
Crank up your vocabulary knowledge with this programme
Find your groove
Episode 240819 / 19 Aug 2024
Have you found your groove?
Top-notch
Episode 240812 / 12 Aug 2024
Have you eaten anything top-notch recently?
Off the cuff
Episode 240805 / 05 Aug 2024
What have you done or said off the cuff?
Take the wheel
Episode 240729 / 29 Jul 2024
What’s the metaphorical meaning of ‘take the wheel’?
The works
Episode 240722 / 22 Jul 2024
Have you ever ordered a pizza with ‘the works’?
Dip your toe into
Episode 240715 / 15 Jul 2024
How does it feel to dip your toe into something new?
Ham-fisted
Episode 240708 / 08 Jul 2024
Are you ever ham-fisted?
Second nature
Episode 240701 / 01 Jul 2024
What's second nature to you?
Take the plunge
Episode 240624 / 24 Jun 2024
Take the plunge and learn this new expression
Peaks and troughs
Episode 240617 / 17 Jun 2024
This phrase will help you talk about the ups and downs of life.
Heavy lifting
Episode 240610 / 10 Jun 2024
Do you have to do all the heavy lifting?
stir the pot
Episode 240603 / 03 Jun 2024
How do you feel when people are stirring the pot?
wishy-washy
Episode 240527 / 27 May 2024
Here's an expression to use when things are just too vague
Shook
Episode 240520 / 20 May 2024
A word to express surprise or shock. Learn more here.
Let loose
Episode 240513 / 13 May 2024
An expression that means relax and celebrate. Learn more here
Zing
Episode 240506 / 06 May 2024
How can you give your English learning a bit of zing?
Do the trick
Episode 240429 / 29 Apr 2024
Learn the expression 'do the trick'
Beige flag
Episode 240422 / 22 Apr 2024
I find it weird. It's a beige flag.
Lay it on thick
Episode 240416 / 16 Apr 2024
The best book in the world? That's laying it on a bit thick.
Telling porkies
Episode 240409 / 09 Apr 2024
Learn the expression 'telling porkies'
In on it
Episode 240402 / 02 Apr 2024
Can we let you in on this phrase?
Walk someone through
Episode 240325 / 25 Mar 2024
Let us walk you through how to use this phrase.
Brick by brick
Episode 240318 / 18 Mar 2024
There are some things that you have to build up gradually. This phrase will help you talk about them.
Cook up an idea
Episode 240311 / 11 Mar 2024
A phrase that means to come up with an idea carefully.
Read the room
Episode 240304 / 04 Mar 2024
A phrase that means to work out how people feel.
Rinse repeat
Episode 240226 / 26 Feb 2024
It's the same every day! Rinse, repeat
A million to one
Episode 240219 / 19 Feb 2024
Don't take this literally
Cash in on something
Episode 240212 / 12 Feb 2024
Do you have anything you can cash in on?
Makes your hair stand on end
Episode 240205 / 05 Feb 2024
What makes your hair stand on end?
On the go
Episode 240129 / 29 Jan 2024
A phrase to describe how busy you are
A blow
Episode 240122 / 22 Jan 2024
It'll be a blow if you don’t watch this lesson
Rear its head
Episode 240115 / 15 Jan 2024
What things can rear their ugly heads?
Elbow grease
Episode 240108 / 08 Jan 2024
What do we use elbow grease for?
Bring to the party
Episode 240102 / 02 Jan 2024
A phrase about offering something positive
Light up like a Christmas tree
Episode 231226 / 26 Dec 2023
An expression to describe your happy face
I don't buy it
Episode 231219 / 18 Dec 2023
Learn an informal way of saying 'I don't believe you'
Touch grass
Episode 231211 / 11 Dec 2023
Do you know anyone who needs to touch grass?
I'm out
Episode 231204 / 04 Dec 2023
A phrase about not having anything left
Plan B
Episode 231127 / 27 Nov 2023
A phrase for when you need another option
Sound out
Episode 231120 / 20 Nov 2023
When do you think it's important to sound someone out?
Fly by night
Episode 231113 / 13 Nov 2023
What do you call a business that disappears overnight and leaves you with a lot of problems?
One-up
Episode 231106 / 06 Nov 2023
A phrase about showing off
Tread on someone's toes
Episode 231030 / 30 Oct 2023
An expression all about doing something you're not responsible for.
Mental gymnastics
Episode 231024 / 23 Oct 2023
How do we talk about complicated tasks done by your brain?
Call dibs
Episode 231017 / 16 Oct 2023
When did you last call dibs on something?
Run for the hills
Episode 231010 / 10 Oct 2023
A phrase about avoiding something
Hard at it
Episode 231003 / 02 Oct 2023
A phrase about working hard
Each to their own
Episode 230925 / 25 Sep 2023
Who do you know who does things differently?
Fill your boots
Episode 230919 / 18 Sep 2023
When did you last fill your boots?
Join the club
Episode 230911 / 11 Sep 2023
Expressing your bad situation
Go with the flow
Episode 230904 / 04 Sep 2023
The easy option!
Cakeism
Episode 230828 / 28 Aug 2023
Is there any cake in this phrase?
Drip feed
Episode 230821 / 21 Aug 2023
How to use ‘drip feed’
Scatterbrain
Episode 230814 / 14 Aug 2023
Are you a scatterbrain?
Be in with a shout
Episode 230807 / 07 Aug 2023
A phrase about possibility!
On point
Episode 230731 / 31 Jul 2023
A phrase about being perfect
Kiss something goodbye
Episode 230724 / 24 Jul 2023
A phrase about accepting loss.
Productivity theatre
Episode 230717 / 17 Jul 2023
A phrase about pretending to work
Pet hate
Episode 230710 / 10 Jul 2023
How to describe your annoyance
On the table
Episode 230703 / 03 Jul 2023
A phrase for business.
Jump through hoops
Episode 230627 / 26 Jun 2023
Not everything is easy to achieve.
Famous last words
Episode 230612 / 12 Jun 2023
A phrase about telling someone they'll be wrong.
Hard pass
Episode 230605 / 02 Jun 2023
A phrase about saying 'no'
Level up
Episode 230529 / 29 May 2023
A phrase about making things equal
Get with the programme
Episode 230522 / 22 May 2023
A changing phrase
Shout-out
Episode 230515 / 15 May 2023
A praising phrase
Fitspiration
Episode 230508 / 08 May 2023
Get fit with this new word
Hats off
Episode 230501 / 01 May 2023
A phrase about impressing people
Under your breath
Episode 230424 / 24 Apr 2023
Make sure you're heard with this expression.
Be at a loss
Episode 230417 / 17 Apr 2023
Don't be at a loss with this expression!
Go off on one
Episode 230410 / 10 Apr 2023
An phrase about getting angry
Wiggle room
Episode 230403 / 03 Apr 2023
A phrase for negotiating
(It's the) story of my life
Episode 230327 / 27 Jan 2023
A phrase about bad luck
No ifs or buts
Episode 230320 / 20 Mar 2023
A phrase to say that something has to be done
Caught red-handed
Episode 230313 / 23 Mar 2023
Have you ever been caught doing something bad?
Rabbit on
Episode 230306 / 06 Mar 2023
A phrase about talking too much
Thanks a bunch
Episode 230227 / 27 Feb 2023
Saying thanks but you don't mean it!
Slow walk
Episode 230220 / 13 Jan 2023
Learn a slow phrase
Take something to heart
Episode 230213 / 13 Jan 2023
A sensitive phrase
Know the score
Episode 230206 / 06 Feb 2023
A phrase about understanding the situation
Jog your memory
Episode 230130 / 30 Jan 2023
A phrase about remembering
A flying start
Episode 230123 / 23 Jan 2023
A phrase about an amazing start
Steal someone's thunder
Episode 230116 / 16 Jan 2023
Give this phrase some attention
Call it a day
Episode 230109 / 09 Jan 2023
A phrase about doing enough
Off the top of my head
Episode 230102 / 02 Jan 2023
A quick-thinking phrase
Change for the better
Episode 221226 / 26 Dec 2022
What changes do you want to make?
The gift that keeps on giving
Episode 221219 / 19 Dec 2022
Do you like receiving presents?
Quiet quitting
Episode 221212 / 12 Dec 2022
A phrase about just doing enough.
Hang in there
Episode 221205 / 05 Dec 2022
A phrase about encouragement
Bite your tongue
Episode 221128 / 28 Nov 2022
Don’t take this phrase literally!
Win hands down
Episode 221121 / 21 Nov 2022
An easy phrase for an easy win!
Twiddle your thumbs
Episode 221107 / 07 Nov 2022
A phrase for boring times
Fever pitch
Episode 221107 / 14 Nov 2022
Are you crazy with excitement about the World Cup?
Get your act together
Episode 221031 / 31 Oct 2022
A phrase about good organisation
Dog's dinner
Episode 221024 / 24 Oct 2022
You need to learn this messy phrase
Sitting pretty
Episode 221017 / 17 Oct 2022
A phrase to describe a good situation
Feast your eyes
Episode 221010 / 10 Oct 2022
A phrase worth looking at.
Put the brakes on
Episode 221003 / 03 Oct 2022
Stop! You need to learn this expression.
Second-guess
Episode 220926 / 16 Sep 2022
Can you guess what this phrase is about?
Ins and outs
Episode 220919 / 19 Sep 2022
Here's a phrase about learning more details about something
Yes and no
Episode 220912 / 12 Sep 2022
Not all answers in life are 'yes' or 'no'!
Eat your words
Episode 220905 / 05 Sep 2022
Learn a phrase about being wrong
Bug someone
Episode 220829 / 29 Aug 2022
Don’t get too irritated!
Willy-nilly
Episode 220822 / 22 Aug 2022
A random phrase
Gnarly
Episode 220815 / 15 Aug 2022
A word for something disgusting
Smash it
Episode 220808 / 08 Aug 2022
A phrase to give encouragement
a doddle
Episode 220801 / 01 Aug 2022
Is this phrase easy to learn?
It's now or never
Episode 220725 / 25 Jul 2022
A phrase about doing something immediately
Happy days
Episode 220718 / 18 Jul 2022
Here's a way to respond to good news
Double down
Episode 220711 / 30 May 2022
Learn a phrase about extra effort
Game face
Episode 220704 / 04 Jul 2022
A phrase about determination
Bitten by the bug
Episode 220627 / 27 Jun 2022
Is this a phrase to get excited by?
It escapes me
Episode 220620 / 20 Jun 2022
A phrase about forgetting something
Onboarding
Episode 220613 / 13 Jun 2022
New job, new word!
Thereby hangs a tale
Episode 220606 / 06 Jun 2022
A Shakespearean phrase for when there's more to something than you think
The royal treatment
Episode 220530 / 30 May 2022
Are you ready to feel like a king or a queen?
Tell me about it
Episode 220523 / 12 May 2022
Learn an agreeable phrase
Creatively bankrupt
Episode 220516 / 16 May 2022
Learn a phrase about being unoriginal
As if
Episode 220509 / 09 May 2022
Learn an unlikely phrase
Ish
Episode 220502 / 02 May 2022
Learn an imprecise phrase
Bad hair day
Episode 220425 / 25 Apr 2022
Is this an unattractive phrase?!
Promises, promises
Episode 220418 / 25 Mar 2022
Is a promise a promise?
Not see hide nor hair
Episode 220411 / 11 Apr 2022
Have you seen this phrase?
Curate's egg
Episode 220404 / 04 Apr 2022
Learn a phrase that is good and bad at the same time.
That'll be the day
Episode 220328 / 28 Mar 2022
When will be ‘that day’?
Gathering dust
Episode 220321 / 21 Mar 2022
What’s gathering dust in your house?
Easier said than done
Episode 220314 / 24 Feb 2022
This phrase shouldn’t be complicated!
The plot thickens
Episode 220307 / 07 Mar 2022
A mysterious phrase!
All at sea
Episode 220228 / 28 Feb 2022
Don’t let this phrase confuse you
Don't mind me
Episode 220221 / 21 Feb 2022
Don’t ignore this phrase
Cramp my style
Episode 220214 / 14 Feb 2022
Who’s cramping your style?
You couldn't make it up
Episode 220207 / 07 Feb 2022
You couldn’t make up this phrase!
Cool cat
Episode 220131 / 31 Jan 2022
Do you know someone who is hip and trendy?
There's nothing to it
Episode 220124 / 24 Jan 2022
Learn a simple phrase
As sick as a parrot
Episode 220117 / 17 Jan 2022
A phrase about disappointment
Eke out
Episode 220110 / 10 Jan 2022
Don’t waste this phrase!
Say no more
Episode 220103 / 03 Jan 2022
Do you get me?
Scrub up well
Episode 211227 / 27 Dec 2021
Learn a smart phrase
You shouldn't have
Episode 211220 / 20 Dec 2021
Learn the gift of English!
Not looking too clever
Episode 211213 / 13 Dec 2021
Learn a clever phrase!
Not like the sound of something
Episode 211206 / 22 Oct 2021
Learn a phrase about not liking something
I'll give you that
Episode 211129 / 24 Oct 2021
Do you agree?
Another string to your bow
Episode 211122 / 22 Nov 2021
A skilled phrase!
Clap back
Episode 211115 / 15 Nov 2021
Do you clap back?
Talk through your hat
Episode 211108 / 08 Nov 2021
A phrase about talking nonsense
quote ... unquote
Episode 211101 / 01 Nov 2021
Try repeating this phrase
Not a patch on something
Episode 211025 / 25 Oct 2021
An expression for when something is far worse than something else
No cap
Episode 211018 / 18 Oct 2021
Do you know someone who always tells the truth?
Moreish
Episode 211011 / 11 Oct 2021
An expression you can use to talk about tasty food
A legend in one's lifetime
Episode 211004 / 04 Oct 2021
Do you know a famous living person? Here’s a phrase to describe them.
Live rent-free in one's head
Episode 210927 / 27 Sep 2021
What or who do you think about all the time?
Now you're talking
Episode 210920 / 10 Sep 2021
Learn a phrase to get you talking
Hits different
Episode 210913 / 13 Sep 2021
What hits different for you?
Extra
Episode 210906 / 06 Sep 2021
Who do you think is extra?
Zhuzh
Episode 210830 / 30 Aug 2021
Can you pronounce this word?
Lo and behold
Episode 210823 / 23 Aug 2021
What is surprising for you?
Bigwig
Episode 210816 / 16 Aug 2021
A phrase with power
Cringe
Episode 210809 / 09 Aug 2021
An expression about something that makes you feel uncomfortable
it’s the … for me
Episode 210802 / 02 Aug 2021
Learn an expression about why you love or hate something.
Obvs
Episode 210726 / 14 Jul 2021
An obvious phrase
Down / up for something
Episode 210719 / 14 Jul 2021
How to express wanting to do something
Savage
Episode 210712 / 12 Jul 2021
Possibly a cruel word
Lit
Episode 210705 / 05 Jul 2021
What thing do you think is awesome? Is it lit?
Yikes!
Episode 210628 / 28 Jun 2021
A shocking new word!
YOLO
Episode 210621 / 21 Jun 2021
Do you take risks?
Vibe
Episode 210614 / 21 Jun 2021
Have you got a good vibe?
Noob
Episode 210607 / 07 Jun 2021
Are you a newbie?
Adulting
Episode 210531 / 31 May 2021
A grown-up phrase
Slay
Episode 210524 / 24 May 2021
What do you think slays?
Push back
Episode 210517 / 17 May 2021
A phrase to use later
The CEO of
Episode 210510 / 10 May 2021
What are you brilliant at?
Zip it!
Episode 210503 / 03 May 2021
Stop talking!
Botch job
Episode 210426 / 26 Apr 2021
What do we call a job done badly?
It slaps!
Episode 210419 / 19 Apr 2021
What do you think slaps?
Have a lot of plates spinning
Episode 210412 / 12 Apr 2021
A phrase about having a lot of things to do
Pizzazz
Episode 210405 / 05 Apr 2021
Do a lot of people remark on how glamorous you are?
Oomph
Episode 210329 / 29 Mar 2021
Do you have a sparkle when you speak?
Snap up
Episode 210322 / 22 Mar 2021
A quick expression!
Nothingburger
Episode 210315 / 15 Mar 2021
Describing something insignificant
Awesomesauce
Episode 210308 / 08 Mar 2021
An amazing phrase!
Clout
Episode 210301 / 01 Mar 2021
Do you have some clout?
GOAT
Episode 210222 / 22 Feb 2021
Who do you think is the GOAT?
Workation
Episode 210215 / 15 Feb 2021
A phrase to describe an experimental project.
Moonshot
Episode 210208 / 08 Feb 2021
A word to describe an experimental project
Slap-bang
Episode 210201 / 01 Feb 2021
A phrase to describe an exact position
Sadfishing
Episode 210125 / 25 Jan 2021
A phrase that needs your attention!
Mic drop
Episode 210118 / 18 Jan 2021
Have you performed a mic drop?
Tone deaf
Episode 210111 / 11 Jan 2021
Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...
A game
Episode 210104 / 04 Jan 2021
Have you brought your A game?
Frontliner
Episode 201228 / 28 Dec 2020
Do you know any frontliners?
You do you
Episode 201221 / 21 Dec 2020
Doing it your way!
On fleek
Episode 201214 / 14 Dec 2020
Learn a good-looking phrase!
Contact tracing
Episode 201207 / 07 Dec 2020
Have you downloaded a contact tracing app?
Key worker
Episode 201130 / 30 Nov 2020
Do you know any key workers?
Sharenting
Episode 201123 / 23 Nov 2020
Don't share too many photos of your children!
Plastic footprint
Episode 201116 / 16 Nov 2020
Here's how to describe the amount of plastic you use
Spoiler alert!
Episode 201109 / 09 Nov 2020
Don't spoil the ending!
Listicle
Episode 201102 / 27 Oct 2020
Is it an article? Is it a list? No, it's a listicle!
Doomscrolling
Episode 201026 / 26 Oct 2020
Scrolling for bad news!
Crowdsourcing
Episode 201019 / 14 Oct 2020
Getting big ideas
One step at a time
Episode 201012 / 07 Oct 2020
Learn a 'progressive' phrase
Bog-standard
Episode 201005 / 18 Sep 2020
Learn a ‘basic’ phrase
A wake-up call
Episode 200928 / 28 Sep 2020
A warning sign!
Climate emergency
Episode 200921 / 21 Sep 2020
What is the 'climate emergency'?
Thirsty
Episode 200914 / 14 Sep 2020
A new word for social media show-offs!
Vanilla
Episode 200907 / 19 Aug 2020
A boring word!
Roast
Episode 200831 / 31 Aug 2020
How can a person be roasted?
Sticking point
Episode 200824 / 24 Aug 2020
What is the sticking point?
Flatten the curve
Episode 200817 / 17 Aug 2020
What did you do to flatten the curve?
Living in a bubble
Episode 200810 / 10 Aug 2020
Get out and see the world – stop living in a bubble!
Cancelled
Episode 200803 / 03 Aug 2020
Learn a new meaning for the word ‘cancel’
New normal
Episode 200727 / 27 Jul 2020
Do you find that daily life is a bit different now?
A slippery slope
Episode 200720 / 20 Jul 2020
Learn a slippery phrase
Throw shade
Episode 200713 / 13 Jul 2020
Throwing shade isn’t cool
Bite the bullet
Episode 200706 / 06 Jul 2020
An English expression with bite!
Blended working
Episode 200629 / 29 Jun 2020
A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.
JOMO
Episode 200622 / 22 Jun 2020
What is your JOMO?
It happens to the best of us
Episode 200619 / 19 Jun 2023
A phrase about making people feel better.
Furlough
Episode 200615 / 15 Jun 2020
A temporary working absence.
Spill the tea
Episode 200608 / 08 Jun 2020
Who do you know who spills the tea?
Flexing
Episode 200601 / 01 Jun 2020
Who do you know who flexes?
Salty
Episode 200525 / 25 May 2020
What makes you get salty?
Skeleton crew
Episode 200518 / 19 Apr 2020
An expression for when there aren't many people working.
Lowkey
Episode 200511 / 11 May 2020
What do you lowkey love?
Live for something
Episode 200504 / 04 May 2020
What’s are you living for?
Cabin fever
Episode 200427 / 27 Apr 2020
What is cabin fever?
Bang on about something
Episode 200420 / 20 Apr 2020
What are you banging on about?
Fire
Episode 200413 / 13 Apr 2020
This phrase is fire!
Running on fumes
Episode 200406 / 06 Apr 2020
So tired!
Left on read
Episode 200330 / 30 Mar 2020
Received, but not replied!
Sheeple
Episode 200323 / 23 Mar 2020
A phrase to follow!
Hater
Episode 200316 / 16 Mar 2020
Don’t hate this phrase!
Talk shop
Episode 200309 / 09 Mar 2020
Something to talk about!
Snackable
Episode 200302 / 02 Mar 2020
Something to snack on
A memory like a sieve
Episode 200224 / 24 Feb 2020
An English phrase to remember
Nomophobia
Episode 200217 / 17 Feb 2020
No phone – no-mophobia!
Peacocking
Episode 200210 / 10 Feb 2020
A phrase to show off with
To kick (something) into the long grass
Episode 200203 / 03 Feb 2020
Give your English a kick!
Rat race
Episode 200127 / 27 Jan 2020
Join the rat race for the 'Year of the Rat'
Microworker
Episode 200120 / 20 Jan 2020
If you do small tasks for tech firms then this new word describes your job!
Serial returner
Episode 200113 / 13 Jan 2020
Feifei's had a new coat every day this month. How?!
Talk the talk
Episode 200106 / 06 Jan 2020
Neil can talk the talk, but does he know what he's talking about?
Out with the old, in with the new
Episode 191230 / 30 Dec 2019
A phrase to describe what you can do at this time of year!
The more the merrier
Episode 191223 / 23 Dec 2019
Learn a merry phrase with friends!
Take one for the team
Episode 191216 / 16 Dec 2019
Three tickets, four people. What to do?
Mind your Ps and Qs
Episode 191209 / 09 Dec 2019
Don’t forget these letters at an important meeting
Dad dancing
Episode 191202 / 24 Oct 2019
Swing those arms, shake those hips!
Big data
Episode 191125 / 25 Nov 2019
Data is everywhere… But what to do with it?
Punch above your weight
Episode 191118 / 02 Oct 2019
It sounds violent, but this phrase might surprise you!
Social media influencer
Episode 191111 / 11 Nov 2019
What exactly is a social media influencer?
Goldilocks
Episode 191104 / 04 Nov 2019
Too hot? Too cold? Or just right?
Ghosting
Episode 191028 / 28 Oct 2019
Is someone ignoring all your calls and messages? 👻
Slow TV
Episode 191021 / 21 Oct 2019
Because life doesn’t need to be fast, fast, fast
Tiger mother
Episode 191014 / 14 Oct 2019
What’s the best way to help your kids succeed in life?
Buzzkill
Episode 191007 / 28 Aug 2019
One minute you were feeling happy, then…
Buyer's remorse
Episode 190930 / 22 Aug 2019
Have you ever regretted an expensive purchase?
Freecycle
Episode 190923 / 23 Sep 2019
When you don't want to sell, freecycle!
Carbon footprint
Episode 190916 / 16 Sep 2019
Love to travel, but worried about the environment?
Cough up
Episode 190909 / 09 Sep 2019
When is a cough not a cough?
Brain fade
Episode 190902 / 02 Sep 2019
Where did I leave my keys?
Fib
Episode 190826 / 26 Aug 2019
A little word for a little lie
Hot under the collar
Episode 190819 / 03 Jul 2019
Cool off and learn this phrase with us
Eat your heart out
Episode 190812 / 12 Aug 2019
Could this be the scariest phrase we’ve ever taught?
Across
Episode 190805 / 05 Aug 2019
When is ‘across’ not ‘across’?
Fat chance
Episode 190729 / 29 Jul 2019
An expression about likelihood
Milk it
Episode 190722 / 22 Jul 2019
Are you looking for sympathy?
Cherry-pick
Episode 190715 / 15 Jul 2019
Picking the best!
To fight tooth and nail
Episode 190708 / 08 Jul 2019
A phrase about determination
It's a small world
Episode 190701 / 01 Jul 2019
An expression about coincidences
To vanish into thin air
Episode 190624 / 24 Jun 2019
A disappearing phrase
Get the short straw
Episode 190617 / 17 Jun 2019
A phrase that sucks!
Soft skills
Episode 190610 / 10 Jun 2019
This phrase isn’t hard!
Big deal
Episode 190603 / 03 Jun 2019
An unimpressive phrase!
Clever clogs
Episode 190527 / 27 May 2019
Intelligent footwear!
Couch surfing
Episode 190520 / 20 May 2019
A phrase for moving around
Like riding a bike
Episode 190513 / 13 May 2019
An 'easy' phrase
On fire
Episode 190506 / 06 May 2019
Why is Neil 'on fire?'
Out of order
Episode 190429 / 29 Apr 2019
What actions are considered out of order in your country?
Dead
Episode 190422 / 22 Apr 2019
Learn a new way to say ‘very’ in this week’s The English We Speak!
Give someone the runaround
Episode 190415 / 15 Apr 2019
A phrase to describe being unhelpful
Laughing all the way to the bank
Episode 190408 / 08 Apr 2019
Learn a funny phrase!
The joke is on you
Episode 190401 / 01 Apr 2019
It's no joke!
Keep a lid on it
Episode 190325 / 25 Mar 2019
Keep this phrase a secret!
To pull the wool over someone's eyes
Episode 190318 / 18 Mar 2019
A deceiving phrase
To take the rough with the smooth
Episode 190311 / 11 Mar 2019
A good and bad phrase
Hard-nosed
Episode 190304 / 04 Mar 2019
A tough phrase
To have a soft spot
Episode 190225 / 25 Feb 2019
A phrase you'll really like
To make a song and dance (about something)
Episode 190218 / 18 Feb 2019
A phrase to sing about
Giant killer
Episode 190211 / 11 Feb 2019
A phrase about big vs small
A shock to the system
Episode 190204 / 04 Feb 2019
Prepare to be shocked!
From pillar to post
Episode 190128 / 28 Jan 2019
A moving phrase!
Small talk
Episode 190121 / 21 Jan 2019
Informal chat
A bright spark
Episode 190114 / 14 Jan 2019
Is this a clever phrase?
To be all downhill
Episode 190107 / 07 Jan 2019
An easier phrase
Fireworks
Episode 181231 / 31 Dec 2018
A phrase to shout about
To have all your Christmases come at once
Episode 181224 / 24 Dec 2018
Get that festive feeling again and again
It's the thought that counts
Episode 181217 / 17 Dec 2018
A phrase for bad presents
Digital detox: What's the meaning?
Episode 181210 / 10 Dec 2018
A detox of a different kind
'It leaves a bad taste in your mouth': What does it mean?
Episode 181203 / 03 Dec 2018
Great food but a bad taste
Pea-souper
Episode 181126 / 26 Nov 2018
Is it a meal or a type of weather?
Throw in the towel
Episode 181119 / 19 Nov 2018
Time to give up
A walk in the park
Episode 181112 / 12 Nov 2018
An easy expression
Dumbphone
Episode 181105 / 05 Nov 2018
A less intelligent phone
No fear
Episode 181029 / 29 Oct 2018
Who's scared?
Something to chew on
Episode 181022 / 22 Oct 2018
An indecisive phrase
Waffle on
Episode 181015 / 15 Oct 2018
Believe it or not, not all waffles are good!
skew-whiff
Episode 181008 / 08 Sep 2018
When things aren't quite straight
To play a blinder
Episode 181001 / 01 Oct 2018
Doing something amazing
Miffed
Episode 180924 / 24 Sep 2018
Has someone annoyed you?
Humblebrag
Episode 180917 / 17 Sep 2018
What’s worse than bragging?
Out of your depth
Episode 180910 / 10 Sep 2018
A deep phrase
Mardy
Episode 180903 / 03 Sep 2018
A moody expression
Curry favour
Episode 180827 / 27 Aug 2018
A spicy expression
Take the biscuit
Episode 180820 / 20 Aug 2018
A sweet phrase
Step on it
Episode 180813 / 13 Aug 2018
Hurry up!
Ping
Episode 180806 / 06 Aug 2018
Press 'send'
Crunch time
Episode 180730 / 30 Jul 2018
No biscuits required
Have a pop
Episode 180723 / 23 Jul 2018
A trying expression!
A necessary evil
Episode 180716 / 16 Jul 2018
Unavoidable situations
If the cap fits
Episode 180709 / 09 Jul 2018
A truthful phrase
My bad
Episode 180702 / 02 Jul 2018
It was me!
To have a good nose (for something)
Episode 180625 / 25 Jun 2018
No smelling needed!
Friends in high places
Episode 180618 / 18 Jun 2018
A phrase about knowing important people
Catch-22
Episode 180611 / 11 Jun 2018
A no-win situation
Let the dust settle
Episode 180604 / 04 Jun 2018
Dust off an old English phrase
Nothing to shout about
Episode 180528 / 28 May 2018
A quiet phrase
Let sleeping dogs lie
Episode 180521 / 21 May 2018
A trouble-free phrase
Bleed someone dry
Episode 180514 / 14 May 2018
Blood money
Small change
Episode 180507 / 07 May 2018
A trivial phrase
That'll teach you!
Episode 180430 / 30 Apr 2018
Serves you right!
An old hand
Episode 180423 / 23 Apr 2018
Some who's skilled and experienced
Out of the loop
Episode 180416 / 16 Apr 2018
Are you missing out?
Rub it in
Episode 180409 / 09 Apr 2018
Reminding someone about something they'd rather forget
Smombie
Episode 180402 / 02 Apr 2018
Are you a smartphone zombie?
Freegan
Episode 180326 / 26 Mar 2018
Free food!
Barking up the wrong tree
Episode 180319 / 08 Mar 2018
Don't blame me!
Cloud cuckoo land
Episode 180312 / 12 Mar 2018
A ridiculous phrase!
A taste of your own medicine
Episode 180305 / 05 Mar 2018
Payback time!
Happy-go-lucky
Episode 180226 / 26 Feb 2018
A worry-free phrase
Whizz-kid
Episode 180219 / 19 Feb 2018
Young and clever
The best of both worlds
Episode 180212 / 12 Feb 2018
Two good things
Bone idle
Episode 180205 / 05 Feb 2018
A lazy phrase
To cut a long story short
Episode 180129 / 29 Jan 2018
Just give me the details
Just the ticket
Episode 180122 / 22 Jan 2018
Just what I wanted!
FOMO
Episode 180115 / 15 Jan 2018
A phrase about jealousy
Do a runner
Episode 180108 / 08 Jan 2018
Time to get out of here!
A thing
Episode 180101 / 01 Jan 2018
Time to lose that beard…
All that jazz
Episode 171225 / 25 Dec 2017
When jazz isn't jazz…
Not gonna lie
Episode 171218 / 18 Dec 2017
Not gonna lie: this is a great programme!
Up your game
Episode 171211 / 11 Dec 2017
Up your emoji game
To shout it from the rooftops
Episode 171204 / 04 Dec 2017
Shout it out
To blow the cobwebs away
Episode 171127 / 27 Nov 2017
An energetic phrase
A knees-up
Episode 171120 / 20 Nov 2017
Party time!
To put someone on the map
Episode 171113 / 13 Nov 2017
Fame at last!
Down in the dumps
Episode 171106 / 06 Nov 2017
Is this a rubbish phrase?
Excuse me!
Episode 171030 / 30 Oct 2017
A polite phrase – most of the time
A sting in the tail
Episode 171023 / 23 Oct 2017
Learn a phrase with a painful ending
So done with
Episode 171016 / 16 Oct 2017
Feeling bored of your work?
Lolz
Episode 171009 / 09 Oct 2017
Fancy a laugh?
Have a go
Episode 171002 / 02 Oct 2017
Why is Neil being criticised?
About
Episode 170925 / 25 Sep 2017
Familiar word, new meaning!
Wing it
Episode 170918 / 18 Sep 2017
Learn an informal expression for when you have to improvise
Pot luck
Episode 170911 / 11 Sep 2017
Take a chance!
It beats me
Episode 170904 / 04 Sep 2017
What's going on?!
Jiggery-pokery
Episode 170829 / 29 Aug 2017
Don't be tricked by this phrase!
Left, right, and centre
Episode 170822 / 22 Aug 2017
Doing something everywhere
Donkey's years
Episode 170815 / 15 Aug 2017
Years and ears!
Give us a bell
Episode 170808 / 08 Aug 2017
Someone's ringing!
Echo chamber
Episode 170801 / 01 Aug 2017
Echo echo echo echo…
Snowflake
Episode 170725 / 25 Jul 2017
Do you melt too easily?
The heat is on
Episode 170718 / 18 Jul 2017
Too much pressure!
Wet weekend
Episode 170711 / 11 Jul 2017
It's wet and there's no rain!
No picnic
Episode 170704 / 04 Jul 2017
Learn a phrase that involves effort
A busman's holiday
Episode 170627 / 27 Jun 2017
Learn a phrase about a working holiday
Fuddy-duddy
Episode 170620 / 20 Jun 2017
Not cool!
No great shakes
Episode 170613 / 13 Jun 2017
Not impressed!
Not a sausage
Episode 170606 / 06 Jun 2017
Learn a phrase that means ‘nothing’
Long
Episode 170530 / 30 May 2017
Love ironing? Or is it ‘long’?
Not half
Episode 170523 / 23 May 2017
Learn a phrase which isn’t half useful
All over the shop
Episode 170516 / 16 May 2017
The phrase about shops that isn’t about shops
It comes with the territory
Episode 170509 / 09 May 2017
Accept the situation!
It won't wash
Episode 170502 / 02 May 2017
A dirty phrase
Jack-of-all-trades
Episode 170425 / 25 Apr 2017
A multi-skilled phrase!
The coast is clear
Episode 170418 / 18 Apr 2017
Nobody's watching!
Pull a fast one
Episode 170411 / 11 Apr 2017
Don’t be cheated – learn this phrase!
Suck it and see
Episode 170404 / 04 Apr 2017
You won’t know until you try
To cut your teeth
Episode 170328 / 28 Mar 2017
Gaining new experience
Shrinkflation
Episode 170321 / 21 Mar 2017
Getting less for your money
La-la land
Episode 170314 / 14 Mar 2017
It's not Los Angeles!
A different kettle of fish
Episode 170307 / 07 Mar 2017
Fishing for a phrase? This could be the one for you
At the drop of a hat
Episode 170228 / 28 Feb 2017
Acting on impulse!
Brass neck
Episode 170221 / 21 Feb 2017
An expression about saying what you think
Reinvent the wheel
Episode 170214 / 14 Feb 2017
Doing it all over again
Frenemy
Episode 170207 / 07 Feb 2017
False friends
To be fair
Episode 170131 / 31 Jan 2017
Give both sides of the argument with this phrase
On the box
Episode 170124 / 24 Jan 2017
Watching a ‘box’ can’t be very enjoyable, can it?
Duck
Episode 170117 / 17 Jan 2017
When being called ‘duck’ is a good thing
Bottle
Episode 170110 / 10 Jan 2017
Don’t lose your bottle!
Got your number
Episode 170103 / 03 Jan 2017
Understanding someone's true intentions
A slap in the face
Episode 161227 / 27 Dec 2016
Words not actions
Clickbait
Episode 161220 / 20 Dec 2016
Click here for nonsense. Learn some cyber vocabulary
Mash-up
Episode 161213 / 13 Dec 2016
If you mix A and B, do you get C?
Air kiss
Episode 161206 / 06 Dec 2016
When is a kiss not a kiss?
Mansplaining
Episode 161129 / 29 Nov 2016
Has a man ever over-explained something to you?
Rolling in it
Episode 161122 / 22 Nov 2016
How much money do you need to roll around in it?
Photobomb
Episode 161115 / 15 Nov 2016
Someone's in my photo!
Cyberchondriac
Episode 161108 / 08 Nov 2016
Is the internet making you ill?
To wash your dirty linen in public
Episode 161101 / 01 Nov 2016
An expression about not keeping matters private
Cat got your tongue?
Episode 161025 / 25 Oct 2016
A phrase about not saying much
It takes two to tango
Episode 161018 / 18 Oct 2016
How many people dance the tango?
Knee-jerk reaction
Episode 161011 / 11 Oct 2016
An expression connected to the knee
To have an axe to grind
Episode 161004 / 04 Oct 2016
An expression for when someone's got a strong opinion
Close, but no cigar
Episode 160927 / 27 Sep 2016
A phrase about almost succeeding
Get somebody's goat
Episode 160920 / 16 Sep 2016
A phrase about something annoying
Bust a gut
Episode 160913 / 13 Sep 2016
An expression that means 'to make a great effort'
Old-school
Episode 160906 / 06 Sep 2016
A phrase that describes old things
Shedloads
Episode 160830 / 30 Aug 2016
A way to say 'lots'
Hangry
Episode 160823 / 23 Aug 2016
A phrase for people who get angry when they don't eat
To pull something out of the hat
Episode 160816 / 16 Aug 2016
What surprising things come out of a hat?
In the blink of an eye
Episode 160809 / 09 Aug 2016
An expression to show speed
Off the hook
Episode 160802 / 02 Aug 2016
Here's a phrase for when you free someone from an obligation
Barefaced
Episode 160726 / 26 Jul 2016
A phrase about being bold and shameless
To make a mountain out of a molehill
Episode 160719 / 19 Jul 2016
Don't overreact - use this phrase!
The last/final straw
Episode 160712 / 12 Jul 2016
Something tiny could cause a lot of problems
The university of life
Episode 160705 / 05 Jul 2016
Where's the best place to learn about life?
White-collar worker / blue-collar worker
Episode 160628 / 28 Jun 2016
What does the colour of your clothes say about your job?
Drama queen
Episode 160621 / 21 Jun 2016
Here's a phrase to describe someone who overreacts easily
It's on the cards
Episode 160614 / 14 Jun 2016
Learn a different way of saying that something is likely to happen
Until you're blue in the face
Episode 160607 / 07 Jun 2016
Can you face this phrase?