Episodes
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: To which country does Britain plan to send asylum seekers?Is it possible to promote that climate change...
Published 01/23/24
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: In which country did all the passengers and crew escape a plane that burst into flames?Why is the New York...
Published 01/16/24
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   The stories in this episode: Good news story of the yearPerson of the Year 2023Word of the YearNews Talk will be back on 15th January 2024 And if you’d like to...
Published 12/19/23
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: What was the good news from Dubai’s COP 28?Which Brazilian state wants money from which company for using...
Published 12/12/23
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: Who is Sam Altman and why is he in the news?How much meat is wasted each year (worldwide)?What’s the...
Published 11/28/23
😲🤔 Have you never said  'You have to be kidding!’? You must be joking! This popular idiom is one of the most common ways to express  disbelief. 🙃 In our newest podcast, we look at the use and variations of this lighthearted idiom which is such a natural and informal way of expressing surprise and astonishment. We’re not kidding ! 🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British...
Published 11/26/23
👐🆘 Need to 'give a hand' or looking for some help? 👐 In this podcast episode, we’re lending you a big hand to understand  how offering a hand became synonymous with offering assistance,  and some useful examples that'll give you a hand to incorporate caring expression into your everyday English! 🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they...
Published 11/25/23
💚🤢 Ever felt 'green with envy'? 🌱👀 We examine this colourful expression in our latest podcast episode! Learn why envy turned green (even before Shakespeare’s time) and how this phrase grew into a common way to describe jealousy. You may turn green with envy if you miss it! 🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples...
Published 11/24/23
🐘🚪 What's big and silent, and central to our conversation? It's 'the elephant in the room'! 🤫 In this podcast episode, we look at how and why we use this huge idiom. Discover how a metaphorical elephant became the symbol for big issues issues that no one wants to talks about. Ready for an eye-opening journey? Tune in and let's address the elephant together! 🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English...
Published 11/23/23
🌌💥 Have you ever had something happen totally 'out of the blue'? 🤷‍♂️🌈 In this podcast, discover what the full expression is as well as its origin and examples of how you can use it correctly ' when something unexpected or ‘out of the blue’ happens to you.  🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use...
Published 11/22/23
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: What did the leaders of 2 superpowers discuss when they met?Which city had its first ever electric air...
Published 11/21/23
🧊👣 Got 'cold feet' about something? 🤔🧊 We hope you warm to the possible origins behind this chilly idiom  and how it became linked to nervousness, second thoughts and weddings that never happened! ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use them correctly. Visit our website www.perfectlyspoken.com and...
Published 11/21/23
What does it mean when 'the ball is in your court'? 🎾🏀 It’s not just about sports! On In our next podcast, we’ll toss you the origin of this game-changing saying and serve up examples where you can use it. Ready to play? Then catch this episode, because the ball's in your court now! 🎧🏆  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and...
Published 11/20/23
Ever paid so much it felt like it 'cost an arm and a leg'?  💰😩 We're counting the cost of this expression in our new podcast episode! Learn how this idiom became best way to describe expensive things.  Listen to examples that won’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, they are free and worth every penny! 🎧 ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what...
Published 11/19/23
Think it's 'raining cats and dogs'🐱🐶 ? 🤔 That's an oldie!  In our latest podcast, we splash into where this soggy saying came from and why it's fading away. 🌧️🚫 But don't float away yet. Tune into our  downpour of modern phrases that will help you understand how people really talk about heavy rain today  🎧💬  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at...
Published 11/18/23
Is there anything really as great as 'the best thing since sliced bread'? 🤷‍♂️🎉 Join us as we explain the origin of this delicious compliment and how to use it to describe people as well as things   Ready to loaf around with some fun facts? Tune in to our podcast - it's possibly the best thing since sliced bread🎧🍞  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We...
Published 11/17/23
Ever 'spilled the beans' and shared a secret? 🙊 I this podcast episode, we're pouring out the story behind this quirky phrase. From ancient voting rituals to accidental gossip, discover why spilling beans means letting the cat out of the bag. Tune in - it's time to spill the beans on 'spill the beans'! 🎧👂  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at...
Published 11/16/23
Feeling sick or just not right? We say we're 'under the weather.' 🤒 But why? What's the Story? 🚢 Sail with us in our podcast as we find out where this saying comes from. You'll get fun examples of how to use this phrase today. (So grab your headphones and listen 🎧⚓   ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to...
Published 11/15/23
Curious why we say 'keep in the loop'? 🤔 In this podcast, we circle back to the roots of this inclusive phrase. 🧶🔄 Join us as we look at examples of how this idiom is used in business and for everyday use. Let’s keep you in the loop  and make sure you staying informed!🎧   ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of...
Published 11/14/23
"Believe it when pigs can fly"? 🐷✈️   Learn why flying pigs became the symbol for the unbelievable. Tune in and learn how you can use this porky expression correctly  🎧🌟  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use them correctly. Visit our website www.perfectlyspoken.com and start your English learning...
Published 11/13/23
Ever wonder why a simple task is called a 'piece of cake'? 🤷‍♂️🍰 Tune into our delicious podcast episode where we serve up fun facts and examples to make learning English a... well, piece of cake! 🎧  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use them correctly. Visit our website www.perfectlyspoken.com and...
Published 11/12/23
 Ready to 'hit the hay' after a long day? 🌟 But wait, why do we even say that?  Listen as we discuss the sleepy origin of 'hit the hay'...or 'hit the sack'.🚜🌾Press play to tuck into this bedtime story before you actually hit the hay tonight!🎧😴  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use them correctly....
Published 11/11/23
 Ever 'dropped the ball' on something important? 🙈We all make mistakes, but where did this saying come from and how do we use it? 🏈🎈 Tune in to hear examples of how you can use this popular phrase today tales from the times of old games to the plays of today 🎧  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐  In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people use. We look at what they mean and give examples of how to use...
Published 11/10/23
Ever had to 'bite the bullet' and face something tough? 🤔💪  In this podcast episode, we're chomping down on the gritty origins of this brave phrase and exploring how "biting the bullet" became a metaphor for enduring the hard stuff.  So if you've got a minute to learn something cool, press play and join the adventure! 🎧🏹  ⭐ Welcome to “Top English Idioms” by Perfectly Spoken ⭐ In this series we look at some of the most useful and interesting English idioms and phrases that British people...
Published 11/09/23
Welcome to this week’s News Talk This is the audio recording of our live group class where Stephanie Marston and David de Jager talk about 3 hot stories in the news and chat with English learners from across the world.  This is a really enjoyable way to practise listening to natural English and learn some new vocabulary each week.   Here are a few clues about the stories in this episode: What brought world leaders and Elon Musk to the UK?What fees cost Americans $130 billion last year?Why is...
Published 11/07/23