Main content
The English We Speak: Passing Ships
Use this expression to talk about busy adult life. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme.
This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.
Find a free transcript here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
More episodes
Podcast
![]()
Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and English conversations to help make your conversations easier.
