logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
3m 33s

The English We Speak: Ham-fisted

BBC Radio
About this episode

Here's an expression about clumsiness. [Image: Getty] For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240708

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Up next
Jun 9
The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall
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/fe ... Show More
2m 49s
Jun 2
The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame
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-26 ... Show More
2m 44s
May 26
The English We Speak: Gatekeep
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/le ... Show More
3 m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'light'
What does it mean to see the light? Learn that and more with Georgie.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE ... Show More
1m 3s
Oct 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'look'
Learn 4 phrases with 'look'' in this podcast. If you learn them all you'll really look sharp.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND B ... Show More
1m 4s
Aug 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with hat
Learn these three hat phrases! Phil will take his hat off to you if you do!TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLIS ... Show More
1m 13s
Aug 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with sea
What phrases do you know with 'sea'? Beth will teach you some in this podcast.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEARNING ENG ... Show More
1 m
Sep 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with head
What phrases do you know with 'head'? Beth has a few to tell you.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Vi ... Show More
1m 7s
Aug 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with heart
How many 'heart' phrases do you know? Phil talks about three he knows in this podcast.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEAR ... Show More
1m 7s
Aug 2025
Real Easy English: Talking about meetings
Georgie and Beth have a real conversation in easy English about work and meetings.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters WATCH THIS PODCAST: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/250829 FIND BBC LEARNIN ... Show More
6m 16s
Sep 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'red'
Learn 4 phrases with 'red' in this podcast. Don't worry, none of them are red herrings!TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEA ... Show More
1m 8s
Sep 2025
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'ear'
If you 'play it by ear', you don't make a plan. Learn this phrase and more in this podcast.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC ... Show More
58s
Oct 2025
English in a Minute: Verbs that go with 'resource'
What does it mean to draw on and squander resources? Learn that and more in this podcast.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC L ... Show More
1m 9s