Learning English Conversations

Learning English Conversations

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.

Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.

And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.

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Resumen del episodio

In this episode of The English We Speak, hosts Feifei and Becca explore the meaning and usage of the idiom 'keep himself to himself'. The discussion clarifies that the phrase describes someone who is private, quiet, or prefers not to socialize extensively, rather than implying they are unfriendly. The program also distinguishes between keeping oneself to oneself and the related expression 'keep something to ourselves', which refers to maintaining a secret.

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Destacados

If someone keeps themselves to themselves, they don't spend much time socialising with other people.

00:00:48 · The hosts provide the primary definition of the idiom being discussed.

And with a very different meaning, if we say we keep something to ourselves, it means we're keeping a secret or just aren't sharing it.

00:01:58 · Becca explains the distinction between the idiom for personality and the phrase used for secrets.

Episodios

1241-

The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself

In this episode of The English We Speak, hosts Feifei and Becca explore the meaning and usage of the idiom 'keep himself to himself'. The discussion clarifies that the phrase describes someone who is private, quiet, or prefers not to socialize extensively, rather than implying they are unfriendly. The program also distinguishes between keeping oneself to oneself and the related expression 'keep something to ourselves', which refers to maintaining a secret.

04 ago. 2026
1240-

The English We Speak: One size fits all

This episode of The English We Speak explores the origins and various applications of the expression one size fits all. While the phrase originates from clothing that is intended to fit any wearer, the hosts explain how it has evolved into a more general term used to describe standardized approaches to training, problem-solving, or software. The discussion also covers the potential negative connotations of using the phrase to suggest that individual needs are being ignored.

28 jul. 2026
1239-

The English We Speak: Side quest

In this episode of The English We Speak, hosts Feifei and Phil explore the expression 'side quest'. Originally derived from video game terminology to describe secondary tasks, the phrase is used in everyday English to describe getting distracted by something fun or less important than one's main objective. The discussion covers how the term applies to real-life scenarios, such as shopping trips or travel detours. The episode also touches upon related English vocabulary using the word 'side', including 'side dish' and 'side hustle'.

21 jul. 2026
1238-

The English We Speak: Passing Ships

This episode of The English We Speak explores the idiom passing ships, a metaphor used to describe people who have different schedules and experience only brief encounters. The hosts explain the imagery of ships passing in the night and provide practical examples of how to use the expression in daily conversation, such as when discussing busy work lives or family visits. The program also introduces the related phrase cross paths, which describes instances where two people's lives intersect. Listeners will learn how to use these expressions naturally, including variations like removing the word like to create a stronger metaphor.

14 jul. 2026
1237-

The English We Speak: Understood the assignment

In this episode of The English We Speak, hosts Feifei and Georgie explore the modern slang phrase 'understood the assignment'. The discussion breaks down how the expression has evolved from its academic origins to become a way to praise someone for exceeding expectations or performing a task with perfect execution. The hosts provide various real-world examples, ranging from costume parties and restaurant dining to interior design and songwriting. The episode also introduces the related idiom 'go above and beyond' to describe efforts that surpass basic requirements.

07 jul. 2026