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-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

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

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

Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skillsSign up to our newsletter to never miss our updates and learning tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. 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-260608. For 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

Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme 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-260601Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersIf you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.