20 Everyday British English Phrases
(That You Won’t Find in a Textbook)
If you’ve ever watched a British TV show or chatted to someone from the UK and found yourself thinking “Wait… what did they just say?” this post/ video is for you.
There’s the English you learn in class, and then there’s the English we actually use in daily life. The kind of language we use when we’re chatting to friends, colleagues, neighbours, or muttering to ourselves while making tea. These are the real, everyday expressions that British people say all the time. And often, they’re vague, non-committal, and deeply cultural.
So, I’ve put together 20 of my favourite phrases. These are all expressions I genuinely use. If you want to sound more natural and understand what’s really going on in conversation, these are a great place to start.
And at the end, there’s a bonus phrase I find slightly annoying, but you’ll hear it everywhere.
Let’s get into it.
1. Let’s play it by ear
We say this when we want to decide later. It’s useful for making loose plans and avoiding commitment.
‘Are we meeting tomorrow?’
‘Let’s play it by ear. I might be too tired after work.’
2. I’m in two minds
This means you can’t decide. You’re torn between two options and genuinely unsure what to do.
‘I’m in two minds about going to the party. I want to see everyone, but I’m absolutely knackered.’
3. Each to their own
A polite way of saying ‘Not for me, but you do you.’ Usually used when someone has a very unusual taste or habit.
‘She dips her chips in her milkshake.’
‘Oh. Each to their own.’
4. Right, I’m off
A very British way of ending a conversation. It’s soft, friendly, and no drama.
‘Right, I better be off. I’ve got to pick up the kids.’
5. I couldn’t care less
Be careful with this one. It means you absolutely do not care. It’s often used when someone is fed up or frustrated.
‘He’s annoyed I didn’t like his post, but honestly, I couldn’t care less.’
6. Let me have a think
This usually means no, but in a very polite way. It gives you space to delay or avoid a decision.
‘Are you coming to the barbecue?’
‘Mmm, let me have a think.’
7. I’ll give it a miss
Another gentle way to say no. It’s perfect for situations where you want to skip something without making a fuss.
‘We’re going to karaoke later. Want to come?’
‘Sounds fun, but I think I’ll give it a miss.’
8. That’s sorted then
A lovely low-key way to confirm a plan or solution. It means the problem is resolved and everything’s agreed.
‘We’ll meet outside the station at two.’
‘Perfect. That’s sorted then.’
9. It’s not the end of the world
This is what we say when something goes wrong, but we want to offer reassurance. It’s not ideal, but it’s not a disaster.
‘I failed my driving test.’
‘Ah, that’s rough… but it’s not the end of the world.’
10. I’m easy
This means you genuinely don’t mind. You’re happy to go along with whatever someone else decides.
‘What do you fancy for dinner?’
‘I’m easy. You choose.’
11. Could do
Very British and very vague. It’s a casual way of saying yes, maybe, I’m open to it.
‘Do you want to go for a coffee?’
‘Yeah, could do.’
12. Don’t make a fuss
We use this when someone is overreacting or drawing attention to something. It’s often said in moments of mild embarrassment.
‘The food’s cold. Should I complain?’
‘No, don’t make a fuss.’
13. Bit of a faff
If something is a faff, it’s unnecessarily complicated or annoying. It usually involves paperwork, long queues or tech setups.
‘Setting up the printer was a bit of a faff. I had to register, scan my ID and upload it again.’
14. I can’t be arsed
This is informal and a bit rude, so don’t use it at work. It means you absolutely don’t have the energy or motivation.
‘I was going to go to the gym, but I can’t be arsed.’
15. I’m not being funny, but…
This is a warning sign. What comes next might be blunt or awkward. We use it to soften direct opinions.
‘I’m not being funny, but that outfit doesn’t really work.’
16. It’s all a bit much
This phrase captures that feeling of overwhelm when everything gets on top of you. Work, family, stress. You don’t want to make a big deal, but you’re struggling.
‘It’s all a bit much at the moment.’
17. I might as well
This means you weren’t planning on doing something, but there’s no reason not to.
‘Everyone else is going out, so I might as well.’
18. I’m just nipping to the loo
To nip somewhere means to go quickly and briefly. ‘Nipping to the loo’ is a very British way of saying ‘I’m just going to the toilet.’
‘Can you watch my bag? I’m just nipping to the loo.’
19. Stick the heating on
We often say ‘stick something on’ instead of ‘put on’ when we’re talking about heating, the kettle or the telly. It sounds casual and effortless.
‘It’s freezing. Shall I stick the heating on?’
20. It’s doing my head in
This is a very human, very British way of saying something is driving you mad.
‘That noise is doing my head in.’
‘My inbox is doing my head in today.’
Bonus phrase: It is what it is
Now I know people love this one, but honestly, it does my head in a bit. It means the situation isn’t ideal but can’t be changed. It often feels like a verbal shrug.
‘The trains are cancelled again.’
‘It is what it is.’
It can be useful when something is genuinely out of your control. But for me, it often sounds a bit defeatist. It shuts down the conversation. I prefer something warmer like ‘It’s not ideal, but we’ll deal with it.’
If you’d like to practise using these in real conversation, you can also book a one-to-one speaking class with me. Or just come and say hello on Instagram or YouTube. I’d love to know which of these phrases you already use and which ones are new to you.