BOX SET: English vocabulary mega-class! Learn 10 English expressions with 'the' in just 23 minutes!

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak

with me, Feifei.

And me, Roy.

We may sound a little different.

That's because we are not able to

record in our normal studios during

the coronavirus outbreak.

Roy, have you heard about Rob?

No, what about Rob?

Well, you know that Rob's been wearing

a long sleeve t-shirt recently.

It's because the other night

he went out with some friends.

Well, he lost a dare and now

he's got a tattoo of panda

on a skateboard on his arm.

Feifei, he's probably really embarrassed about that.

You shouldn't gossip.

I am not!

But, you always love it when I spill the tea!

You spilt some tea? While recording!?

That's dangerous when we're surrounded

by laptops and microphones.

No Roy, 'spilling the tea' means 'to gossip'.

I'm going to spill the tea some

more right after these examples.

I shouldn't spill the tea, but have you

heard that Bob and Susan are dating?

Come on, spill the tea.

Tell me what you know about Derek!

I'll spill the tea. There's going to be a

huge party and no one has invited Peter.

This is The English We Speak

from BBC Learning English and

we're talking about the expression

'spill the tea' which means to 'to gossip'.

So come on Feifei, spill the tea.

You know everything that happens in the office.

How did you know about Rob's tattoo?

I will never reveal my sources.

Well, OK. It was Neil.

I can't believe you told me that!

You gave up your source so easily.

Well you asked, so I told you!

I'm just really honest.

Well, Feifei. I have a surprise for you!

You know that Neil told you

that Rob has a new tattoo?

Yes.

Well Feifei, Rob hasn't really got a

'panda on a skateboard' tattoo.

We created the story to see if you'd spill the tea!

Rob would never do something so silly!

That's not fair! Bye, Roy.

Bye.

Welcome to The English We Speak.

It's Feifei here with Rob.

Hi everyone.

So Rob, help yourself to a biscuit.

I know how much you love them, so I

bought some for us to share today.

Oh right. That's very kind, Feifei, but very odd.

You don't normally buy me things.

Are you feeling guilty?

Have you done something wrong?

Of course not! Well… sort of.

I hope you don't mind, but I used up all your coffee

when I made drinks for the team this morning.

What?! You used up all my coffee

and you didn't make me one?

That really takes the biscuit!

I haven't taken any biscuits, just your coffee.

No, Feifei! When I say someone really

takes the biscuit, I mean what you

have done is really surprising, annoying

or sometimes just silly.

Oh dear. You're not happy? Sorry, Rob.

Let's hear some examples while you calm down.

I can't believe she copied my work

And pretended it was her own.

Now that really takes the biscuit.

You're really taking the biscuit if you're

expecting me to take you to the match

and wait outside until it's finished!

Your plan to turn the spare bedroom into

a snooker room really takes the biscuit!

This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and we're finding

out about the phrase 'to take', or 'to really

take the biscuit', which means we are

surprised or annoyed by someone's actions.

Oh Rob, I'll buy you some more coffee.

I hope so. By the way, we can say 'something'

as well as 'someone' takes the biscuit.

So, you take the biscuit by using up my coffee

but there is something that really takes the biscuit.

Oh yes? What's that?

These biscuits you bought are ginger nuts.

I hate ginger biscuits. Didn't you know?

Oh that really takes the biscuit!

OK, Rob. You are really taking this badly.

Pass them over here then and I'll eat them.

Oh crumbs, I've dropped them. Sorry!

It looks like I won't be taking any of my biscuits today!

Come on, Rob. I'll buy you a coffee.

Thanks. Bye.

Bye.

Hello! This is The English We Speak.

I'm Feifei.

And I'm Rob.

We may sound a little different.

That's because we are not able to

record in our normal studios

during the coronavirus outbreak.

This programme comes with a safety warning!

It involves bullets.

Well, not real ones. That would be dangerous.

Toy bullets ... just to illustrate the point.

Bullets! What English expression mentions bullets?!

I will explain and, Rob, you can help.

Here is a toy bullet.

Where did you get that from?!

Don't ask. Now, Rob, would you put

it between your teeth please?

What? Are you crazy?!

Please, Rob. It would really help our audience.

OK, Feifei! Here goes...

Right, I am biting the bullet.

So, Rob, you are being brave and forcing yourself

to do something unpleasant, but necessary.

I didn't force myself, you told me to do it!

Sorry, Rob, I can't understand you but when

someone 'bites the bullet', they are forced to,

or accept that they have to,

do something difficult or unpleasant.

Let's hear some examples of other people

who have to bite the bullet.

I have a pile of work to finish, so

I'm going to have to work all night.

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet.

If I'm going get fit, I'll have to bite the

bullet and start going to the gym. Urghh!

If you want to start dating Jitka you're going

to have to bite the bullet and ask her out!

This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English, and we're talking

about the expression 'to bite the bullet'.

It describes having to do something

unpleasant or difficult, but necessary.

So, can I stop biting a bullet now, please?

Not yet, Rob. What you are doing is 'necessary'.

Yes, but it's not easy speaking with

a bullet in your mouth.

Exactly! Peace and quiet. But careful, Rob.

Don't swallow it, otherwise things

could get very unpleasant.

Thanks for the advice, Feifei... ooops.

Bye, Rob.

Bye.

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak

with me, Feifei.

And me, Neil.

In this programme, we have an expression

you can use to describe someone who talks

confidently about a topic, but might not

actually know that much about it.

Which reminds me, Feifei.

Did I tell you that I've started a new evening course?

No. What's it in?

Well, see if you can guess.

Ahem. My lords, ladies and gentlemen.

It is indeed an immense honour and privilege

to stand here before you on this great

occasion and humbly offer my thoughts.

Er, Neil. What are you going on about?

Public speaking! It's my new course.

Right. Well, you can certainly talk the talk.

Oh good. That's the whole point.

Hmm. That's not really a compliment.

When we say someone can talk the talk,

it means they talk a lot about a subject,

but they might not really know

that much about it.

Even if they sound confident.

How dare you! Well, let's hear some

examples of this expression in action.

Oh no, not another meeting chaired by Binh.

He can certainly talk the talk but

he actually knows nothing!

OK, go in there, talk the talk, and get out

before they realise we don't have

a clue about marketing!

It's one thing talking the talk, but we need action.

We need someone who can walk the walk.

You're listening to The English We Speak

from BBC Learning English.

In this programme, we're looking at

the expression 'talk the talk'.

It refers to people who talk confidently

on a topic without necessarily

knowing much about it.

That's right, Feifei. You know,

you're really quite knowledgeable

about the English language, aren't you?

Thanks.

I mean, you don't just talk the talk.

You can walk the walk too.

Absolutely! As you heard in the earlier example,

and just then from Neil, the opposite

of 'talk the talk' is 'walk the walk'.

That refers to someone who shows their

abilities through action - not just talking.

Like you, Neil.

You know what? I think I'll give up that public

speaking course and join a hiking club -

to learn how to walk the walk.

Ha! Good idea.

Bye!

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.

I'm Feifei but I'm not sure where Neil is.

Sorry I'm late.

It's going a bit crazy out there in the office.

Crazy?

Yes. Everybody is arguing and shouting.

About what exactly?

The mess in the office.

The boss says it's untidy and we

should clear up after ourselves.

He even said that my desk was like a pigsty!

Hmm, well you'd better stay in here and keep

out of the way until things have calmed down.

Good idea. I'll just let the dust to settle.

Oh, so the office is messy and dusty.

Is that what everyone's arguing about. The dust?

No Feifei, I just mean I'll wait for

the situation to calm down.

Got it!

So, you're just keeping out of the way.

Are you scared?

Of course not.

I just wanted to hear these examples.

We've had lots of complaints about the changes but

let's wait until the dust settles before we respond.

We're busy moving house at the moment

but I'll give you a call when the dust settles.

Now the dust has settled after the restructuring,

I think we can talk about recruitment.

This is The English We Speak from the BBC

and we're finding out about the phrase

'let the dust settle', which means to

wait for a situation to calm down.

We can also say 'wait for the dust to settle',

which is what I'm doing right now.

Neil, I have a feeling you're just

avoiding the situation for one reason.

Oh yeah, what's that?

Look out there.

They're all pointing at your desk.

They're not arguing about a messy office.

They're complaining about your mess.

Really. Well I like to work in a messy environment.

Maybe, but I don't think the dust is

ever going to settle in this argument.

OK. But I think I'll stay in here for just a little longer.

Bye.

Hello, I'm Feifei, and this is The English We Speak.

I'm with Rob. Hi Rob, how are you?

Hi Feifei, I'm fine but I just can't understand

why you've brought me to a railway station.

Isn't that obvious?

No. And what's that piece of paper

you're waving in your hand?

Oh this? This is a ticket.

A ticket. Why would you bring me to

a railway station and show me a ticket?

It's cold and we could be in a warm

studio presenting this programme.

And anyway, don't you know it's my birthday and

we're supposed to be going out to celebrate later?

I know it's your birthday, you told me last

week and you said something about

wanting a present that was 'just the ticket'.

So here it is.

Oh Feifei! I didn't want a ticket.

When I said 'just the ticket' I meant I wanted

something that was exactly what I wanted or needed.

You know, a camera, a computer game or

maybe a nice bottle of whisky.

Oh right, I see.

Oh dear, what a wasted trip Feifei.

But now we're here, let's hear some more

examples of the phrase 'just the ticket'.

Oh I feel terrible: I've got a cold and my nose

is blocked but a drink of hot honey and lemon

would be just the ticket to make me feel better.

I think a new art gallery will be just the ticket

for improving the image of the town

and encouraging more people to visit.

Our car has got seven seats, so it's just the ticket

for taking all the kids to football practice every week.

So that's 'just the ticket', which describes

something that exactly what is wanted or needed.

OK Rob, so you wanted something for

your birthday that was 'just the ticket'.

Well, you're looking at it.

You Feifei?

No Rob. This ticket in my hand.

Have you actually looked at it?

OK let me see...

Oh wow! A train ticket to Paris, for me?

That's really generous of you.

Thanks Feifei! When do we go?

We? No, it's just one ticket. I couldn't afford two.

Now look, the train's about to leave so you had better go.

Have a good trip!

Oh right. I'll be off then. Bye.

Bye Rob.

Phew, two days in the office without Rob.

That is 'just the ticket' for me!

Hello, this is The English We Speak

and I'm Feifei.

And hello, I'm Neil.

Hey great news, Neil!

Oh yes, what's that?

I got a promotion.

Oh well done.

Congratulations and all that.

Come on, Neil, you were never going to get one.

And anyway, it's not all good news.

A promotion, a pay rise, more power,

How is that not all good news?

Well, it means longer hours, harder work

and working with you more.

I expect you have some English

expression to describe that!

I do, Feifei.

You have to take the rough with the smooth.

It means you have to accept the bad or unpleasant

things in a situation as well as the good things.

In other words, you can't have everything.

Thanks for the sympathy, Neil.

Here are some good things  though, Feifei: examples!

I'm going to use my qualification to

get a really good job but I've

lots of studying to do before I get it.

Well you have to take the rough

with the smooth but good luck!

Having kids is very fulfilling but it can be

challenging too, especially the lack of sleep.

But I guess I have to take the rough with the smooth!

This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and we're learning

about the phrase 'to take the rough with the smooth'

which means you have to accept the bad things

in a situation as well as the good things.

So poor you, Feifei, you've got a great new promotion

but you're going to have to work longer.

So fewer lunches with me, less time at the pub...

The expression for that would be

'to take the smooth with the smooth'.

But do you know what?

This programme is a good example of

taking the rough with the smooth.

So you mean there are some

good things and some bad things?

Hmm, so what are they?

Well, the rough things are presenting with you...

Oh! And the smooth things?

The smooth things, the good things are

it's a short programme and it's nearly over.

It's time to go, Neil.

Thank goodness.

Enjoy your promotion then, hope it goes smoothly.

It will! Bye.

Bye.

Hello and welcome to a very festive

The English We Speak.

I'm Feifei.

And I'm Rob. Happy Christmas everyone.

And to you, Feifei.

Oh thanks. But you know what Rob?

I don't feel very festive.

Festive?! Look, I'm wearing my Christmas jumper.

We've got mince pies and, yeah,

I think it's snowing outside.

That's not snow, it's rain, Rob.

But I just think there is something missing...

something that would make us feel more Christmassy.

Presents?

Not presents.

Christmas crackers?

No, it's not those.

I know what's missing. It's people.

We need more people to make

it feel like a Christmas party!

What's wrong with just me?

You're OK, Rob. But you know what they say?

The more the merrier.

Right, you mean the situation or occasion would be

better, or more enjoyable, if lots of people joined in.

More people equals more fun!

Exactly!

OK, well I'll try to find some people for you

Feifei while you enjoy some examples.

Is it OK if I bring some of my friends to the party tonight?

Of course it is, the more the merrier!

Why don't you come skiing with us?

We've got room in the car.

The more the merrier!

We've got our office brainstorm later.

Please join us, the more the merrier!

This is The English We Speak

from BBC Learning English.

It's almost Christmas, so I want a

party with lots of people in the studio.

As the saying goes, the more the merrier.

The more people there are,

the more enjoyable the situation!

Don't you agree Rob? Rob?

Oh, where's he gone?

Don't worry, Feifei, I'm here, I'm here.

And I've found some people for you.

Hi Feifei!

Hi Roy!

Hello Feifei!

Hello!

Hi Feifei!

Hi! Wow! All my Learning English chums.

But, it's getting a bit crowded in here now.

Hello! Hi!

Good to see you. Hey!

Woo hoo! Party time!

Yes, yes, save some room for me.

Squeeze in, Rob, the more the merrier!

Oooh, OK. Excuse me... excuse me… alright.

Oh yeah, it is a bit of a squeeze.

There, I'm in.

Phwaoh!

Not again, Rob!

What's that?

Have you been eating chicken?

What are you having for dinner?

Oops sorry. Too many Brussels sprouts, I'm afraid.

Is that the time? Yeah, I've gotta go.

I must breathe!

You ruined my life!

Bye. Bye.

Now look what you've done.

You've ruined our Christmas party!

It's not so merry now.

Oh well. Happy Christmas, Feifei!

You too.

Hello I'm Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

And hello I'm Neil.

Neil, I wonder if you could help me.

I'm trying to find something on this map.

Oh yes, map reading, I'm good at that.

What are you trying to find?

Well, I went to a gig last night and

saw this new singer - he was amazing.

Thanks for inviting me!

Anyway, what's that got to with a map?

Well, afterwards everyone was talking about it

and saying the gig was so good that

it will 'put him on the map'.

But... I just can't find him on here.

Put the map away Feifei, you won't find him there.

When we say someone will be 'put on the map'

it means they will become famous

or become more prominent. But not on a map!

Right! Actually Neil, I've heard about a new

restaurant I ate at being 'put on the map'.

Yes, something as well as someone can

be put on the map, or in other words, become

famous, popular or well known.

You must have eaten at a good quality

restaurant for it to be put on the map!

I did! Let's tuck into some examples shall we?

Her first exhibition at the Tate gallery has put

her on the map as a serious modern artist.

This great tasting food has really put

this new restaurant on the map.

Hosting the Olympics has put this city on the map

as a great place to come for a holiday.

So that's to put someone or something on the map:

To become famous, popular or more prominent.

I suppose it suggests that becoming famous

means you are now important enough for

your name to be seen or heard by everyone.

That's right. In the old days when a place was too

small and unimportant it wasn't shown on a map.

But when it became more important it was 'put on the map'.

Right. Anyway Neil, let me look at that map again...

OK.

Look! That singer I saw really is on the map, right there.

Really? What was he called?

'Man-chester'

'Man-chester'?

Manchester. Of course!

Bye.

Good bye.

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak

with me, Feifei.

And me, Roy.

Roy, why are you hitting that table with a hammer?

Well, I got your message  about flattening the curve,

and then I saw that this table had a bit of a bump in it,

so I wanted to make sure you were happy.

No, Roy. When I talked about 'flattening the curve',

it relates to lowering and smoothing

out the peak on a graph or chart.

Oh, because you were talking about

the rate of infection in the UK.

It's really important to 'flatten the curve' of the

infection to avoid our healthcare services being

overwhelmed with too many patients at one time.

That's right, now let's listen to these examples.

The government have introduced social distancing

measures to try and flatten the curve.

We need to flatten the curve to prevent

too many admissions into hospital.

Flattening the curve is vital to help save lives.

This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and

we're talking about the expression

'flatten the curve', which has been used

a lot during the coronavirus crisis.

It means to reduce the peak of a graph or chart.

Yes, people have been in lockdown and

social distancing to flatten the curve.

It seems that the rate of infection

in the UK has decreased of late.

Yes, it seems that way.

But I can't believe you were hitting that table!

Well, I was just trying to make you happy, sorry.

Roy, now my chair is broken,

what happened to the wheels?

I flattened the curves on your wheels!

I've fixed everything.

You should see what I've done to your car.

Working with you is never a boring experience!

Thanks!

Bye, Roy.

Bye, Feifei.

Hi everyone! We hope you enjoyed that video

and thank you very much for watching.

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Hope to see you soon, bye guys!