Friendship is one of the most powerful and meaningful connections in life. Whether you’re laughing over coffee or leaning on someone during hard times, true friends are there through it all.
In the English language, there are many idioms for friendship that describe these bonds in fun, vivid ways. From phrases like “a friend in need is a friend indeed” to “birds of a feather flock together”, these friendship expressions reveal the deep trust and emotional support we share.
This article explores 50 idioms for friendship that bring color to our everyday language and help explain the unique, loyal companionship that defines close relationships and lifelong bonds.
Idioms for Friendship
Friendship is a universal bond that transcends cultures and languages. In English, numerous idioms capture the essence of friendship, illustrating the depth, humor, and nuances of these relationships. This article delves into 52 idioms for friendship, providing explanations and examples to help you understand and use them in everyday conversations.
1. A friend in need is a friend indeed
This idiom means that a true friend is someone who helps you when you’re in trouble. It’s during tough times that genuine friendships are tested and proven.
2. Birds of a feather flock together
People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with one another. This saying emphasizes how like-minded individuals often become friends.
3. Two peas in a pod
Describes two people who are very similar or close, often inseparable in their actions and thoughts.
4. Thick as thieves
Refers to friends who are very close and share secrets, indicating a deep bond of trust.
5. A shoulder to cry on
A person who offers sympathy and support during difficult times.
6. Friends are the family we choose
Highlights the idea that friends can be as close and important as biological family.
7. Get on like a house on fire
Describes two people who become good friends very quickly and have a strong connection.
8. Hand in hand
Working together closely and harmoniously.
9. Through thick and thin
Staying loyal and supportive through good times and bad.
10. The more, the merrier
Suggests that more people make an activity more enjoyable.
11. To be in someone’s corner
Being supportive and ready to help someone, especially during challenges.
12. To have a heart-to-heart
Engaging in a sincere and honest conversation about personal feelings.
13. Like two ships passing in the night
Describes people who meet briefly and then part ways, often without forming a lasting connection.
14. To strike up a friendship
To begin a friendship with someone.
15. To be as thick as blood
Indicates a very close relationship, akin to family ties.
16. To go way back
Refers to a long-standing friendship that has lasted for many years.
17. To have a blast
To have a great time together.
18. To be on the same wavelength
Sharing similar thoughts, feelings, or opinions.
19. To keep in touch
Maintaining communication with someone, even if not frequently.
20. To pour your heart out
To share one’s deepest feelings or thoughts with someone.
21. To be in the same boat
Experiencing the same situation or challenges as someone else.
22. To take under your wing
To mentor or guide someone, often a newcomer.
23. To break the ice
To initiate conversation in a social setting, easing tension.
24. To go the extra mile
Making an extra effort to help or support someone.
25. To have each other’s backs
Being ready to support and defend one another.
26. To lend an ear
To listen attentively and sympathetically.
27. To be like family
Having a relationship as close as that of family members.
28. To have a friend for life
A friendship that lasts a lifetime.
29. To hit it off
To immediately form a good relationship upon meeting.
30. To share a bond
Having a strong connection or shared experience.
31. To be joined at the hip
Being inseparable and always together.
32. To weather the storm
To endure difficult times together.
33. To give someone the cold shoulder
To deliberately ignore or show indifference to someone.
34. To have a special place in someone’s heart
To be cherished and remembered fondly.
35. To stick together
To remain united and supportive of each other.
36. To be a breath of fresh air
Someone who brings new energy and positivity.
37. To be a ray of sunshine
A person who brings happiness and warmth into others’ lives.
38. To give someone a hand
To help someone with a task or problem.
39. To be on good terms
Having a friendly and harmonious relationship.
40. To be thick as thieves
Being very close and secretive with someone, showing deep trust.
41. To be a true friend
Being loyal, honest, and supportive.
42. To keep your friends close
Maintaining strong relationships with friends.
43. To be in sync
Operating in harmony or agreement with someone.
44. To walk a mile in someone’s shoes
To understand another person’s experiences and perspective.
45. To pour oil on troubled waters
To calm a tense or difficult situation.
46. To have a soft spot for someone
To have affection or fondness for someone.
47. To be a loyal ally
Being a steadfast and supportive friend.
48. To be on the same team
Working together towards a common goal.
49. To be a friend through thick and thin
Being a consistent and reliable friend, regardless of circumstances.
50. To be a good sport
Handling situations gracefully, even when outcomes aren’t favorable.
51. To catch up with someone
This idiom means to reconnect with a friend after a period apart and update each other on life events. It strengthens social bonds and keeps the friendship alive, especially in long-distance or busy relationships.
52. To patch things up
This refers to resolving a disagreement or conflict with a friend. When people patch things up, they mend their relationship, showing the value of trust in friendship and the importance of meaningful connections.
Quiz: 50 Idioms for Friendship
What does the idiom “A friend in need is a friend indeed” mean?
A) Friends are only helpful when it’s convenient.
B) True friends support you in difficult times.
C) Friends should always be nearby.
D) Friendship is based on mutual interest.
Answer: B) True friends support you in difficult times.
Which idiom means that people with similar interests tend to associate with each other?
A) Two peas in a pod
B) Birds of a feather flock together
C) Thick as thieves
D) A shoulder to cry on
Answer: B) Birds of a feather flock together.
What does “Thick as thieves” imply about a friendship?
A) Friends are always honest with each other.
B) Friends are very close or friendly, often with secrecy.
C) Friends enjoy spending time together occasionally.
D) Friends are competitive with each other.
Answer: B) Friends are very close or friendly, often with secrecy.
What does the idiom “To be in someone’s corner” mean?
A) To be physically present with someone.
B) To support someone, especially in challenging times.
C) To argue with someone.
D) To ignore someone’s problems.
Answer: B) To support someone, especially in challenging times.
Which idiom suggests that true friends are there for you during both good and bad times?
A) A shoulder to cry on
B) Through thick and thin
C) To break the ice
D) To hit it off
Answer: B) Through thick and thin.
What does “Get on like a house on fire” mean?
A) To have a brief friendship.
B) To quickly become good friends.
C) To argue frequently.
D) To be distant acquaintances.
Answer: B) To quickly become good friends.
Which idiom indicates that people can choose their friends like family?
A) Friends are the family we choose
B) To have a blast
C) To strike up a friendship
D) To lend an ear
Answer: A) Friends are the family we choose.
What does “To lend an ear” imply?
A) To offer financial help.
B) To listen to someone sympathetically.
C) To ignore someone.
D) To give advice.
Answer: B) To listen to someone sympathetically.
What is the meaning of “To weather the storm” in the context of friendship?
A) To avoid conflicts.
B) To endure difficult times together.
C) To enjoy good times.
D) To have disagreements.
Answer: B) To endure difficult times together.
Which idiom means to have a deep and sincere conversation?
A) To share a bond
B) To have a heart-to-heart
C) To break the ice
D) To be on the same wavelength
Answer: B) To have a heart-to-heart.
What does it mean when someone says “To stick together”?
A) To be separated for a period.
B) To remain united through challenges.
C) To avoid working with others.
D) To disagree with each other.
Answer: B) To remain united through challenges.
Conclusion
Friendship is more than just shared laughter or inside jokes; it’s about loyal companionship, emotional support, and the deep trust we place in one another. These 52 idioms for friendship offer a window into how the English language captures the beauty of meaningful connections and life-long friendships. Whether you’re describing a true friend, a shoulder to cry on, or someone who’s been with you through thick and thin, these phrases enrich the language of friendship and help express what words alone often can’t.
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