The English We Speak: Non-starter

Some ideas are just never going to work. Those are what we call 'non-starters'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260831Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599 - also feel free to respond! We read everything, although we don't have time to reply to everyone.Have you tried our 'Real Easy English' podcast? Listen to real conversations about everyday topics to boost your listening confidence. You can WATCH the podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english

This phrase is used when something is perfect. Learn when and how to use it here with Feifei and GeorgieAs always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260824For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it with Feifei and Georgie.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260824We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it 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-260817For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' 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-260810For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skillsAnd don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter to receive a message from your favourite presenters and our tips to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599Come back here this time next week for the next episode of The English We Speak

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-260727For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

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-260721For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

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 bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters