The English We Speak: One size fits all
Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: One size fits all

A2ElementaryJuly 28, 20263 min

This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727 For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

Play episode

Opens the player: the full transcript, every word clickable, with translation and flashcards.

Try it: tap any word

Real sentences from the start of this episode. Every word is marked with its level.

Sentence 1 of 12 · 0:00

.

SAK.fi.

Hear this sentence

Tap a word to see its meaning in your language.

Do you know these words?

6 harder words from this episode. Tap one to see what it means, then mark it.

  • B21:52
  • B22:11
  • C12:11
  • B22:23
  • B22:30
  • B23:32

Mark a few words and we'll tell you how this episode fits your level.

Is this episode right for you?

A2

A2 · Elementary

Everyday topics, clear speech

A1 40%A2 30%B1 20%B2 10%C1 0%
  • 90% of the words are B1 or easier.
  • 177 words a minute: natural, fairly fast speech.
  • 6 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.

Transcript

The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.

0:00

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. SAK.fi. Call the Private Banking. Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions

1:07

used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei. And I'm Phil. Hi Feifei. I've got the new team t-shirts. Have this one. They're one size fits all. But this is enormous. One size fits all? I'm not sure it does. OK, but it does help us tell people about the expression one size fits all.

1:30

It sounds like something you would use to talk about clothes. Yes, and that's where it comes from. Clothes are sometimes sold as one size fits all. It's sold as one size and it's supposed to fit everyone. Well, I'm not sure it works for these t-shirts, but I can imagine it working for something like a hat.

That was the opening. The rest of the episode (1 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.

Continue in the player

Automatically generated from the audio. May contain errors. Audio belongs to its publisher and is played from their feed. Rights holders can request removal — copyright & takedown policy