15 Everyday British English Expressions You’ll Hear All the Time
(And How to Use Them Naturally)
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with a British person and suddenly felt as though the language switched into some sort of secret code? You understand English perfectly well, yet the moment someone from the UK opens their mouth you think, ‘I definitely didn’t learn this in my textbook.’
You’re not imagining it. British English is full of little expressions and casual phrases that we use constantly in everyday life. They’re informal, friendly, and often delightfully vague.
And once you know them, you’ll sound instantly more natural and at ease in conversations.
So today I’m sharing 15 British English expressions that I personally use every single day. They’re simple, incredibly common, and perfect for intermediate and advanced learners who want to sound more fluent and confident.
Let’s dive in.
1. Give me a sec / Won’t be a sec
Meaning: Please wait a moment.
’Sec’ is short for second.
Examples:
Give me a sec, I just need to grab my phone.
Won’t be a sec, I’m just putting my shoes on.
Give me a sec, I’m nearly ready.
It’s casual, friendly, and extremely common. Once you start listening for it, you’ll hear it everywhere.
2. Hang on a minute
This one has two meanings depending on your tone.
Meaning 1: Please wait a moment.
Hang on a minute, I need to grab my umbrella.
Hang on a minute, I’ll check my diary.
Meaning 2: Something feels wrong / I need to question this.
Hang on a minute… that doesn’t look right.
Hang on a minute, did you say Tuesday or Thursday?
The tone does all the work here.
3. Pick up a few bits
Meaning: Buy a few small everyday items, usually from a local shop or supermarket.
Very British. Very vague.
Examples:
I’m popping to the shop to pick up a few bits.
I need to pick up a few bits for dinner.
I forgot half my shopping, so I need to nip out and pick up a few bits.
‘Bits’ can be anything from milk to coriander to toilet roll.
4. All over the place
Meaning: Messy, chaotic, or disorganised — either literally or in your mind.
Examples (literal):
The kitchen was all over the place this morning.
After the kids finished crafting, there were paper scraps all over the place.
Examples (emotional/mental):
My head is all over the place today.
Sorry, my thoughts are a bit all over the place.
5. Could I just…?
Meaning: A polite softener used when making a request.
Examples:
Could I just ask you something?
Could I just squeeze past you?
Could I just check that with you?
Adding ‘just’ makes the request feel more gentle and less direct.
6. Would you mind…?
Another classic British softener.
Meaning: A polite way to ask someone to do something.
Examples:
Would you mind opening the window, please?
Would you mind sending that again?
Would you mind repeating that? I didn’t quite catch it.
If you want to sound beautifully, unmistakably British, this one helps.
7. I don’t know if you can help me, but…
Meaning: A very polite, slightly hesitant way to ask for help from a stranger or customer service.
Examples:
I don’t know if you can help me, but I’m having a problem with my account.
I don’t know if you can help me, but where’s the nearest post office?
I don’t know if you can help me, but I think I’m lost.
This phrase buys you some goodwill before you even ask the question.
8. Could you keep the noise down, please?
Meaning: Please be quiet, but said politely, often softly.
Examples:
Could you keep the noise down, please? I’m trying to focus.
Would you mind keeping the noise down? I’ve got a meeting.
Kids, could you keep the noise down a bit?
It sounds far nicer than ‘Be quiet!’ or ‘Shut up.’
9. I haven’t got a clue
Meaning: I don’t know at all.
A stronger version of ‘I don’t know.’
Examples:
I haven’t got a clue where my keys are.
I haven’t got a clue what he’s talking about.
I haven’t got a clue how this works.
Alternative: I’ve got no idea.
10. That sounds good
Meaning: I like that idea / I agree with your suggestion.
Examples:
Shall we get Chinese tonight?
Yes, that sounds good.Do you want to go for a walk after work?
That sounds good.How about meeting at 3?
Sounds good.
Simple. Positive. Very common.
11. What a nightmare
Meaning: Something stressful, annoying, or chaotic happened.
Examples:
The trains were cancelled. What a nightmare.
I had an exam this morning. What a nightmare!
We were stuck in traffic for two hours. What a nightmare.
We use it for big frustrations and small annoyances alike.
12. Let me have a think
Meaning: I need a moment to process this and decide.
Examples:
What do you fancy for dinner?
Hmm… let me have a think.Can you work on this project next week?
Let me have a think.Someone asks you a question in English and your brain freezes? Let me have a think buys you time politely.
13. At least…
Meaning: Finding the positive in a negative situation.
Examples:
I missed the bus, but at least the weather’s nice.
The meeting was long, but at least it’s done.
I failed the exam, but at least I can retake it.
A very optimistic little expression.
14. Oh well…
Meaning: Acceptance. Usually when something has gone wrong.
Examples:
Oh well, nothing we can do now.
Oh well, it’s not the end of the world.
Oh well, at least it’s not raining.
Often used with a shrug.
15. See how you feel
Meaning: You don’t need to decide right now. Take your time.
Examples:
If you’re not sure about coming out tonight, see how you feel later.
Go home, see how you feel, and tell me tomorrow.
If you’re feeling tired, see how you feel after a rest.
It removes pressure and gives someone space to think.
These expressions might seem small, but they’re exactly the kind of everyday language that helps you sound more natural, relaxed, and confident when speaking with British people.
If you’d like to go deeper, I’ve put together a playlist with even more British English expressions and real-life language you can use straight away.