Blog

Back to Blog

23 English Phrases from The Traitors UK Explained

23rd January 2025

The hit BBC TV show The Traitors UK is packed with strategy, suspense, and dramatic moments. Set in a beautiful location in Scotland, the show takes place in the stunning Ardross Castle, adding an air of grandeur and mystery to the intense gameplay. As the contestants navigate betrayals and alliances, they use intriguing language that reflects the high stakes of the game. What makes the show uniquely British is the fascinating contrast between its premise—centred on strategy, backstabbing, and lying—and the contestants’ attempts to remain polite at the same time.

For instance, phrases like "I'm sorry, but..." are often used to soften accusations, while "literally" is used frequently for emphasis—even when it’s not entirely literal. We know how confusing English can be—it’s a tricky language even for first-language speakers! English is constantly changing and evolving, and that’s why we here at Wimbledon School of English are here to help you. For English language learners planning to study abroad or take English courses in the UK, understanding these English language phrases is an essential part of mastering both the language and British culture.

Also, language learners can hear a variety of accents in the show, including those from the North and South of England, Welsh accents, people pretending to have Welsh accents, Scottish, and Irish accents, reflecting the rich diversity of voices and cultures found around the UK— it is a perfect show for training your ear to different regional tones and pronunciations. 

 

TV shows to improve English

 

Here are 23 key phrases from the show, explained in detail.

 

1. “The Round Table”

  • What it means on the show: The iconic setting where players vote to banish someone they suspect of being a Traitor.
  • Broader meaning: Historically, a place symbolising equality and discussion (like King Arthur’s Round Table). In The Traitors, it’s ironically a hotbed of suspicion and manipulation.
 

2. “To Banish”

  • What it means on the show: Removing a player from the game, often under suspicion of being a Traitor.
  • Broader meaning: In general English, "banish" means to expel someone from a place or community, usually permanently.
 

3. “Clique”

  • What it means on the show: Small groups of players who trust one another, posing a threat to the Traitors’ strategy. Often pronounced as "click".
  • Broader meaning: A "clique" refers to an exclusive group of people, often seen as unwelcoming to outsiders.
 

4. “To Seduce Someone”

  • What it means on the show: When Traitors try to entice a Faithful to join their ranks through charm, as opposed to threats or ultimatums.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday usage, "to seduce" someone means to tempt or lure them, often romantically, but it can also mean persuading someone cleverly.
 

5. “I’m 100% Faithful”

  • What it means on the show: Often used defensively, but ironically can suggest the opposite—that the person might be lying and is actually a Traitor.
  • Broader meaning: A way to declare absolute honesty or loyalty, but context is key.
 

6. “You’d Make the Perfect Traitor”

  • What it means on the show: A phrase sometimes said playfully but can imply that someone’s behaviour is obviously trustworthy, making them unsuitable for deceit.
  • Broader meaning: Used sarcastically to imply someone isn’t suited for something.
 

7. “I’m Not Trying to Be Funny, But…”

  • What it means on the show: A phrase used to signal that what follows is a serious statement, often a suspicion or criticism, such as calling someone’s actions suspicious.
  • Broader meaning: A common British phrase used to introduce an observation that might be perceived as harsh or blunt.
 

8. “I’ve Said My Piece”

  • What it means on the show: A way for a player to declare that they’ve expressed their opinion and won’t engage further in the discussion.
  • Broader meaning: In British English, this is often used to politely end a debate or discussion.
 

9. “I'm Going in All Guns Blazing”

  • What it means on the show: Leanne used this phrase to describe her bold and aggressive approach to challenge someone about something they said.
  • Broader meaning: In British English, this phrase means tackling a situation with full energy, confidence, or aggression, often without much caution. It’s commonly used to describe someone being direct or forceful in their actions or words.
 

10. “That’s Rich Coming from You”

  • What it means on the show: Freddie uses this to call out another contestant, implying they’re guilty of the same behaviour they’re accusing someone else of.
  • Broader meaning: A phrase used sarcastically to suggest hypocrisy. It’s common in British conversations when someone criticises another unfairly.
 

11. “I’m Going to Fight My Corner”

  • What it means on the show: Minah says this to mean she will defend herself and her position during discussions at the Round Table.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday English, this phrase means to argue your case or defend yourself against criticism.
 

12. “Poker Face”

  • What it means on the show: Maintaining a neutral expression to hide emotions or intentions, crucial for both Traitors and Faithful.
  • Broader meaning: Originating from poker, this phrase describes concealing your true feelings to avoid giving away information.
 

13. “Blindside”

  • What it means on the show: A shocking move or decision that the targeted player didn’t see coming, such as being unexpectedly banished.
  • Broader meaning: In general English, "to blindside" someone means to surprise them unpleasantly, often with a betrayal or sudden attack.
 

14. “Shield”

  • What it means on the show: A special advantage that protects a player from being murdered by the Traitors.
  • Broader meaning: Shields symbolise protection, both literally and metaphorically, in many contexts.
 

15. “To Throw Someone Under the Bus”

  • What it means on the show: Sacrificing someone else to save yourself, often through false accusations.
  • Broader meaning: A common idiom in English that means betraying or blaming someone for your own benefit.
 

16. “To Cast Doubt”

  • What it means on the show: To suggest or insinuate that someone might be a Traitor, planting suspicion in others’ minds.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday life, "casting doubt" involves questioning someone’s credibility or intentions, often subtly.
 

17. “Besties” or “BFFs”

  • What it means on the show: Contestants often describe themselves as "besties" (best friends) or "BFFs" (best friends forever) to emphasise their close alliances—whether genuine or strategic.
  • Broader meaning: These casual, playful terms are common in British English, particularly among younger people, to describe close friendships.
 

18. “It’s a No-Brainer”

  • What it means on the show: A phrase used to describe an obvious or easy decision, such as voting off a clearly suspicious player.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday usage, this idiom refers to something that requires no thought because the answer is so clear.
 

19. “Make a Deal with the Devil”

  • What it means on the show: A term sometimes used to describe alliances with Traitors that may backfire later.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday English, this idiom means agreeing to something morally questionable to achieve your goals.
 

20. “I’m Not Gonna Lie…”

  • What it means on the show: Players sometimes preface a blatant lie with this phrase to sound more convincing.
  • Broader meaning: In everyday usage, this phrase is often used to emphasise honesty, but in The Traitors, it’s sometimes ironically used when someone is actually lying!
 

21. “I’m Sorry, But…”

  • What it means on the show: A phrase often used to soften the blow when accusing someone of being a Traitor.
  • Broader meaning: Common in British English, this expression introduces a statement that may be unpleasant or disagreeable while still sounding polite.
 

22. “Dodgy”

  • What it means on the show: A way to describe something suspicious or untrustworthy, often used when questioning someone’s actions.
  • Broader meaning: "Dodgy" is widely used in British slang to mean questionable, unreliable, or suspicious.
 

23. “To Play the Long Game”

  • What it means on the show: Traitors use this strategy to stay hidden while slowly manipulating the Faithful.
  • Broader meaning: This phrase is widely used in English to describe a strategy focused on long-term goals rather than immediate results.

 


The Traitors UK is a masterclass in the dramatic and psychological use of language. For those planning to study abroad in the UK or take English courses, these English language phrases are not only fun to learn but also offer insights into British culture.

We can’t promise you’ll need to use these phrases often, but you may hear them being spoken casually, so they’re useful to know. Understanding these expressions will help you improve your vocabulary and connect more deeply with British culture if you're "playing the long game".

 

www.wimbledon-school.ac.uk

WSE