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Learning English Conversations Episodes

  1. English up to date 'Go Commando'

    In this week's episode, John Ayto explores the origin, meaning and use of the phrase...

  2. English up to date 'Fit for Purpose'

    In this episode, John Ayto examines the meaning and usage of the phrase 'fit for purpose'.

  3. English up to date 'Edgy'

    In this episode, John Ayto examines a new use of the word 'edgy'.

  4. English up to date 'Early Doors'

    In this week's episode, John Ayto explores the origin, meaning and use of the 'early...

  5. English up to date 'Chugger'

    In this episode, John Ayto examines the meaning of the word 'chugger'.

  6. English up to date 'Bridezilla'

    John Ayto explains the origin, meaning and use of the word 'bridezilla'

  7. English up to date 'Bottle and Bottler'

    In the last programme of the series, John Ayto explains the origin, meaning and use of...

  8. English up to date 'Apps'

    In this first episode in a new series of Keep your English up to date, John Ayto the...

  9. Emoticon: 12 Nov

    Rob and Vera have a misunderstanding about an email. Listen to this programme to find...

  10. Elbow grease

    Some things just need a little elbow grease. Learn what that is in this programme.

  11. Eke out

    We have the perfect phrase to describe making the most of what you鈥檝e got left.

  12. Echo chamber

    Echo echo echo echo鈥�

  13. Eat your words

    Learn a phrase about being wrong.

  14. Eat your heart out

    Learn a humorous phrase about being the best!

  15. Eat humble pie

    Is Rob hungry enough to win a pie-eating competition? Listen to the programme

  16. Easier said than done

    Talking about doing things can be easy, but doing them can be a bit more complicated.

  17. Each to their own

    How do you feel when someone does something that you would never do, but it's OK?

  18. Dumbphone

    Learn a new name for old tech

  19. Duck

    Learn a phrase you can use that features our feathered friend

  20. Drop dead gorgeous

    Li is worried when Jen says somebody is 'drop dead gorgeous'. What does this phrase mean?

  21. Drip feed

    Learn a phrase about giving information little by little.

  22. Drama queen

    Here's a phrase to describe someone who overreacts easily

  23. Down with the kids

    Why is Rob dressing like a teenager? Find out in The English We Speak!

  24. Down the pan

    Learn a phrase to describe a disastrous situation

  25. Down the pan

    Learn a phrase to describe a disastrous situation

  26. Down in the dumps

    Is this a rubbish phrase?

  27. Down / Up for something

    If there is something you are interested in doing now, we have an expression for you.

  28. Double down

    Learn a phrase about extra effort.

  29. Doomscrolling

    Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.

  30. Donkey's years

    Years and ears!

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