DICTADOS INGLÉS BBC archivos - Madrid Berlin Idiomas

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The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.

DICTADOS INGLÉS BBC archivos - Madrid Berlin Idiomas episodes:

May 26, 2025 231.- By the book

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/By_the_book_.mp3
By the book
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250106

Introduction
This expression is all about following the rules. Learn how to use it here.

Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I’m Feifei, and I’m joined by Georgie. Hi Georgie, are you ready to begin?
Georgie
Yes, I am… but actually Feifei, I was thinking about switching up the format of this programme a bit – try something a little different… What do you think?
Feifei
Mmm. I’m not sure about that, Georgie. We have to do things ‘by the book’ around here. We can’t just make up last-minute changes whenever we like…
Georgie
OK, I suppose that makes sense. Well, you just said we do things ‘by the book’ and that’s the phrase we’re looking at in this programme. Can you explain what you meant by ‘we do things by the book’, Feifei?
Feifei
Yes! I mean that we follow the rules exactly, without improvising. So, to remember it, maybe imagine a book of rules that you follow, but it doesn’t have to be a physical book of rules. Let’s hear some examples from our BBC Learning English colleagues.
Examples
I know when some people are cooking, they just, like, throw any old ingredients in there and make it up as they go along, but I like to do it by the book and follow the recipe.
I do everything by the book and it does make it slower, which can be a bit annoying, but, yeah, got to follow the rules.
Our accountant is very thorough. He does everything by the book, so I trust his judgement.
Georgie
So, to use this phrase, you need an action first. Most commonly, you’ll hear it with the verb ‘do’ – ‘do something by the book’, or ‘do things by the book’.
Feifei
Yes, but we can use other verbs too, for example, “We need to complete the paperwork by the book to make sure it’s all correct”.
Georgie
OK, let’s recap. We’ve learnt do something ‘by the book’ which means to follow the rules exactly, without improvising.
Feifei
And remember to check out our website: bbclearningenglish.com for more resources to help you improve your English. Thanks for joining us.
Georgie
Bye!

La entrada 231.- By the book se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
May 26, 2025 230.- Go to. Profesor

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Go_to_.mp3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250303
Introduction
Your ‘go-to’ is your preferred option. Learn how to use this expression here.
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei, and on this really cold day, I’m with Phil. But how come you’re not cold, Phil?
Phil
Ah well, I’ve just had lunch. Hot soup. Hot potato and leek soup. It’s perfect for a winter’s day. It’s my go-to for a cold day.
Feifei
Your go-to? That sounds like it could be the expression of this programme.
Phil
Why not? A ‘go-to’ is something that you, well, go to a lot, or in a particular situation.
Feifei
A ‘go-to’ is a preferred option, so if I said Phil was my go-to for soup, he’d be my preferred option when I need someone to make me soup.
Phil
And you can have a go-to for anything. A nice cafe might be your go-to for lunch. A quiet spot might be your go-to to relax. You might even have an outfit that’s your go-to for parties.
Feifei
Let’s hear some more examples of people using ‘go-to’.
Examples
When I’m trying to get warm in the winter, my hot water bottle is my go-to.
There’s a small butcher near my home which is my go-to for fresh lamb chops.
I’m so annoyed because my programme that’s my go-to for relaxing in the evening has been cancelled, and now I don’t know what I’m going to do.
Feifei
Now, we’ve been looking at ‘go-to’ as a noun, but we can also use it a compound adjective. We already know that you’re my go-to guy for soup.
Phil
Yes, and we can talk about go-to options, go-to holiday spots, a go-to resource to find answers to things.
Feifei
And if you’re looking for a go-to website to learn English from, look no further than BBC Learning English! We’ll be back next time with another expression.
Phil
See you then! Bye!
Feifei
Bye!

La entrada 230.- Go to. Profesor se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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2min
May 26, 2025 231.- By the book
By the book

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/By_the_book_.mp3
La entrada 231.- By the book se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
May 26, 2025 230.- Go to
Go to

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La entrada 230.- Go to se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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2min
April 11, 2025 229.- You can´t go wrong with. Profesor
You can´t go wrong with

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/You_cant_go_wrong_with.mp3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-241223
Introduction
When someone tells you ‘can’t go wrong’ with their suggestion, they’re telling you that you can’t fail if you use it. Learn how to use this phrase in this programme.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei, and I’m with Phil. What have you been doing, Phil?
Phil
I’ve just been doing my Christmas shopping. It’s so hard to find things for everyone. I don’t really know what people are going to like.
Feifei
You know what? You can’t go wrong with gift vouchers. Let people decide what they want as a present for themselves.
Phil
That might be a good idea! And actually, there’s a good expression for this episode, ‘you can’t go wrong with’.
Feifei
Yes, if you want to make a suggestion, and say that it’s guaranteed to succeed, or at least very likely to succeed, you can say ‘you can’t go wrong with’.
Phil
So, if you were looking for the perfect Christmas party idea, would you agree that you can’t go wrong with karaoke?
Feifei
I’m not sure about that, Phil. I’ve heard you singing! I reckon you can’t go wrong with a good meal, then everyone’s happy.
Let’s hear some examples of ‘you can’t go wrong with’
Examples
There’s a sauce called gravy which goes with a Christmas dinner, and I think if you add a teaspoon of mustard, it’s really great. You can’t go wrong with a teaspoon of mustard.
I never know what film to watch but at this time of year, you can’t go wrong with a Christmas movie. They’re always so cosy.
Everyone loves Italian food. I just think you can’t go wrong with pasta or pizza.
Feifei
As well as ‘can’t go wrong’, you’ll also hear ‘you can’t go far wrong’ or ‘you won’t go far wrong’. They mean the same thing, and we use them in the same way.
Phil
You mean, I could say if you want to learn new English expressions, you can’t go far wrong with listening to this programme?
Feifei
That’s right! And you won’t go far wrong if you listen to us!
Phil
And while we need to finish now, you won’t go far wrong if you come back for the next episode. Bye!
Feifei
Bye bye!

La entrada 229.- You can´t go wrong with. Profesor se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
April 11, 2025 229.- You can´t go wrong with
You can´t go wrong with

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/You_cant_go_wrong_with.mp3
La entrada 229.- You can´t go wrong with se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
March 03, 2025 228.- Turn over a new leaf. Profesor
Turn over a new leaf

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Turn_over_a_new_leaf.mp3
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-241230

Introduction
Many of us hope to turn over a new leaf when a new year starts. It means to start again and move on from the past. Learn how to use this phrase in this programme.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei, and I’m with Phil.
Phil
Hi, any plans for 2025, Feifei?
Feifei
It’s a new year so I think it’s time to turn over a new leaf.
Phil
Turn over a new leaf? I’m not sure it’s the right time of year to be doing gardening, Feifei.
Feifei
It’s not that kind of leaf, and it’s just an expression. It means to make a change and make a new start. You stop doing something negative. ‘Turn over a new leaf’ is the expression we’re learning in this programme.
Phil
So, it’s a bit like making a new year’s resolution?
Feifei
Yes. The ‘leaf’ in this expression is a leaf of paper, like a sheet of paper, so to ‘turn over a new leaf’ means to turn the page and start a new chapter of your story. You’re trying to move on from something negative. For example, I’ve been feeling very inactive. I’ve never managed to get into going to the gym, but in 2025 I’m going to turn over a new leaf and get fit. Phil, what about you? Do you think you should turn over a new leaf?
Phil
Turn over a new leaf for 2025? Hmm, maybe I should start eating more healthily. I love cooking, but nothing I cook is that healthy, and I love to give myself huge portions. That’s probably something negative that I should change. Yes, that’s how I’m going to turn over a new leaf. Now let’s hear how some of our colleagues are going to turn over a new leaf.
Examples
I’ve got this terrible habit of biting my nails, but I’ve decided I need to turn over a new leaf, so in the new year I’m stopping that. That’s my new year’s resolution.
I was a bit naughty in primary school sometimes, but my teacher told me to turn over a new leaf, and I did. I was very well-behaved from then on.
So, these days I always look at my phone instead of trying to remember things that I probably know, and so I’m going to turn over a new leaf in the new year and use my brain instead and try to remember things.
Feifei
Of course, it’s not just about new year’s resolutions. Any time you want to put something negative behind you and make a change, you can try to turn over a new leaf.
Phil
A similar expression that people use is ‘turn the page’. We can use it metaphorically to talk about starting a new chapter in our lives.
Feifei
Yes, people often see starting a new job as a way of turning the page on their careers.
Phil
We’ll finish here, but if you feel like you don’t know enough expressions and idioms in English and you want to turn over a new leaf, come back for the next episode, see you then!
Feifei
Bye!

La entrada 228.- Turn over a new leaf. Profesor se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
March 03, 2025 227.- Shoehorn something in. Profesor
Shoehorn something in

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Shoehorn_something_in_.mp3
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-241125

Introduction
Have you ever used a shoehorn to squeeze your foot somewhere it doesn’t quite fit? Learn a related expression here
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I’m Feifei, and I’m joined by Georgie.
Georgie
Hi Feifei! How are you?
Feifei
Very well, thank you. How are you, Georgie?
Georgie
I’m pretty good thank you, too. Feifei, I’ve actually been reading a book lately and I was really enjoying it, but towards the end, the author just shoehorned in a random side plot that didn’t really make sense with the rest of the story – it was quite disappointing.
Feifei
Oh no, what a shame! Now, you just used the phrase ‘shoehorn something in’, and that’s what we’re learning in this programme. It’s a verb with a couple of meanings, but I think it’ll help our listeners if we explain what the noun ‘shoehorn’ means first.
Georgie
OK, I can do that. A shoehorn is a piece of curved material like plastic or metal that we put in the back of a shoe to help our foot slide into the shoe more easily.
Feifei
Right. So you could say that it helps to squeeze your foot into a small or tight space. So the verb ‘shoehorn something in’ means you force something to be included somewhere it doesn’t quite fit.
Georgie
Yes, so Feifei, if you remember my example at the beginning about the author shoehorning a random plot into the story… That’s about forcing ideas and concepts somewhere they don’t belong. Let’s hear more examples.
Examples
I used to love using this app, but now they’ve shoehorned in loads of features and it’s just too complicated.
My friend recently started her own business, and now she just shoehorns it into every conversation we have. It’s so annoying!
I really want to mention my website in the speech but I’m not sure I’ve got enough time… I’ll just have to shoehorn it in at the end.
Feife
So, metaphorically speaking, it can be about including ideas in places they don’t belong. But, it can also be about physical space – fitting larger things in a smaller space. A bit like shoehorning your foot into a shoe.
Georgie
That’s right. So, for example, last night I was really surprised that the restaurant was able to shoehorn so many customers in such a small space. OK, let’s recap.
Feifei
We learned ‘shoehorn something in’ which means to force something to be included somewhere it doesn’t quite fit or belong.
Georgie
Remember to check out our website: bbclearningenglish.com for more resources to help you improve your English. Thanks for joining us. Bye!
Feifei
Bye!

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3min
March 03, 2025 226.- Now you´re talking. Profesor
Now you’re talking

https://madrid-berlin-idiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Now-you´re-talking.mp3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak/ep-210920
Summary
Roy’s got an idea to make the most of the good weather but Jiaying isn’t so sure. He’s got to improve his idea for Jiaying to approve. When he does, what’s she going to say?
Transcript
Jiaying
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Jiaying…
Roy
…and me, Roy. Hey Jiaying, it’s a beautiful day outside.
Jiaying
It is – blue sky and sunshine today – wonderful! But why are you telling me this, Roy?
Roy
Well, once we’ve finished the programme, would you like to go for a run in the park?
Jiaying
I’m not sure! I don’t want to run when I’m so hungry!
Roy
Well, how about we invite some friends and go for a picnic instead?
Jiaying
Now you’re talking!
Roy
Oh, didn’t you hear what I said? I said how about a picnic in the park and…
Jiaying
Yes, yes, I heard you loud and clear – I just mean I like what you are saying!
For once, you are saying something I want to hear! When we say to someone ‘now you’re talking’, it’s an informal way of saying I really like or approve of your idea or suggestion, sometimes because it is better than their initial idea. So, Roy, going for a picnic is a great idea!
Roy
Good, but we can’t go yet. We’ve got some examples of this phrase to listen to…
Examples
You’d buy the car if I gave you an extra ten per cent discount! Now you’re talking!
You want to go to the beach? Now you’re talking!
My boss has agreed to increase his initial pay offer. Now he’s talking!
Jiaying
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the expression ‘now you’re talking’, which is used to express you like or approve of someone’s idea or suggestion, often because it’s better than their initial idea.
So, who shall we invite to this picnic, Roy? Sam?
Roy
No, she’s busy.
Jiaying
Neil?
Roy
No, he doesn’t like eating outdoors.
Jiaying
Oh, how about Rob?
Roy
Nope – he’ll eat too many of the biscuits.
Jiaying
[raining outside] Oh no! … look, it’s started raining!
Roy
Oh – the picnic is ruined!
Jiaying
I know – why don’t we arrange to meet everyone at the cafe instead?
Roy
Now you’re talking! I’ll go and make some calls. Bye.
Jiaying
Bye, see you later.
La entrada 226.- Now you´re talking. Profesor se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min
February 28, 2025 228.- Turn over a new leaf
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La entrada 228.- Turn over a new leaf se publicó primero en Madrid Berlin Idiomas.
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3min

FAQs about DICTADOS INGLÉS BBC archivos - Madrid Berlin Idiomas:

How many episodes does DICTADOS INGLÉS BBC archivos - Madrid Berlin Idiomas have?

The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.