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