Idioms add color and depth to the English language, and understanding them is crucial for effective communication. When it comes to describing relationships, particularly friendships, idioms offer a rich tapestry of expressions that go beyond literal meanings.
This article explores a wide range of idioms related to friends, providing definitions, examples, and usage tips to help you master this aspect of English. Whether you’re an ESL learner or a native speaker looking to enhance your vocabulary, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to express the nuances of friendship with confidence and flair.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced, as well as native speakers who wish to expand their repertoire of idiomatic expressions related to friendship. By understanding and using these idioms correctly, you can communicate more effectively and expressively about your relationships with friends.
You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural nuances embedded in the English language, and improve your overall fluency and comprehension. The information provided here offers a structured approach to learning idioms for friends, ensuring a solid understanding of their meanings and proper usage.
Definition of Idioms for Friends
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words within it. In other words, the phrase has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.
Idioms related to friends are expressions that describe various aspects of friendship, such as closeness, support, loyalty, and shared experiences. These idioms often use metaphorical language to convey complex emotions and relationships in a concise and memorable way.
Idioms function as fixed expressions within a language. They are not meant to be taken literally, and attempting to interpret them word-for-word will often lead to confusion.
Instead, idioms must be learned and understood as complete units of meaning. In the context of friendship, idioms serve to add color, depth, and nuance to our descriptions of relationships.
They allow us to express subtleties that might be difficult to convey through literal language alone. These phrases can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific idiom and the overall tone of the conversation or writing.
Understanding the nuances of when and how to use these idioms is crucial for effective communication.
Structural Breakdown of Friendship Idioms
Friendship idioms, like all idioms, are characterized by their non-literal meaning and fixed structure. They can consist of various grammatical structures, including:
- Phrasal verbs: These combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating a new meaning. Example: “stick by” (to support someone during difficult times).
- Noun phrases: These use nouns to convey idiomatic meaning. Example: “a shoulder to cry on” (someone who offers sympathy and support).
- Clauses: These are groups of words containing a subject and a verb that function as a unit. Example: “birds of a feather flock together” (people with similar interests tend to associate).
- Similes and metaphors: These use comparisons to express idiomatic meaning. Example: “as thick as thieves” (very close friends).
The structure of friendship idioms is generally fixed, meaning that the words cannot be changed or rearranged without altering the meaning or making the idiom nonsensical. While some idioms may allow for slight variations in tense or number (e.g., “stick by” vs.
“stuck by”), the core structure remains constant. It’s important to learn the exact wording of each idiom to use it correctly.
Understanding the grammatical structure can help you remember the idiom and use it in appropriate contexts.
Types and Categories of Idioms for Friends
Friendship idioms can be categorized based on the specific aspect of friendship they describe. Here are some common categories:
Idioms Describing Closeness and Intimacy
These idioms describe the degree of closeness between friends, highlighting the depth and intimacy of the relationship.
Idioms Describing Support and Loyalty
These idioms emphasize the supportive and loyal nature of friendship, focusing on how friends help each other through difficult times.
Idioms Describing Shared Experiences and Interests
These idioms highlight the shared activities, interests, and experiences that form the basis of friendship.
Idioms Describing Conflict and Reconciliation
These idioms address the inevitable conflicts that arise in friendships and the processes of resolving them.
Idioms Describing Loss or Absence of Friendship
These idioms describe the feelings of loss, longing, or absence that can occur when friendships end or when friends are separated.
Examples of Idioms for Friends
This section provides a comprehensive list of idioms related to friendship, categorized for clarity. Each idiom is accompanied by a definition and example sentence to illustrate its meaning and usage.
Idioms Describing Closeness and Intimacy
The following table showcases idioms that describe the closeness and intimacy between friends. These phrases often convey a deep bond and understanding.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| As thick as thieves | Very close and secretive friends. | They’ve been as thick as thieves since they met in college. |
| Like two peas in a pod | Very similar and always together. | Sarah and Emily are like two peas in a pod; they do everything together. |
| Joined at the hip | Inseparable; always together. | Ever since they started dating, they’ve been joined at the hip. |
| Bosom buddies | Very close friends. | They were bosom buddies throughout their childhood. |
| Birds of a feather flock together | People with similar interests tend to associate. | It’s no surprise they’re friends; birds of a feather flock together. |
| In each other’s pockets | Always together and very close. | They’re always in each other’s pockets; you never see one without the other. |
| Thick and thin | Through good times and bad times. | We’ve been friends through thick and thin. |
| Attached at the hip | Extremely close; inseparable. | Those two have been attached at the hip since they were kids. |
| Inseparable | Unable to be parted or separated. | They are inseparable; they do everything together. |
| Close-knit | Bound together by strong relationships. | They come from a close-knit group of friends. |
| Like brothers/sisters | Having a very close, familial relationship. | Even though they’re not related, they’re like brothers. |
| Kindred spirits | People with similar interests and values. | They realized they were kindred spirits when they discovered their shared love for hiking. |
| Cut from the same cloth | Very similar in character or behavior. | Those two are cut from the same cloth, always getting into trouble. |
| See eye to eye | Agree with each other. | They always see eye to eye on important issues. |
| On the same wavelength | Thinking alike; understanding each other well. | They’re always on the same wavelength, finishing each other’s sentences. |
| Get along like a house on fire | Have a very good and enjoyable relationship. | They got along like a house on fire from the moment they met. |
| A match made in heaven | A perfect pairing or relationship. | Their friendship is a match made in heaven; they balance each other out perfectly. |
| Two of a kind | Very similar in personality or behavior. | They’re two of a kind, always joking and laughing together. |
| Soulmates | People who have a deep and natural affinity for each other. | They believe they are soulmates, destined to be friends forever. |
| Thick as mud | Very close and friendly (often used humorously). | Those two are as thick as mud, always causing mischief together. |
| Hand in glove | Working together closely and harmoniously. | They work hand in glove on every project. |
| In cahoots | In partnership; conspiring together (often used negatively, but can be playful). | I suspect they’re in cahoots, planning a surprise party. |
| Attached at the hip | Inseparable; always together | Since they met, they’ve been attached at the hip, going everywhere together. |
Idioms Describing Support and Loyalty
This table highlights idioms that express support and loyalty between friends. These phrases emphasize standing by each other through challenges.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| A shoulder to cry on | Someone who offers sympathy and support. | When she lost her job, her best friend was a shoulder to cry on. |
| Stick by someone | To support someone during difficult times. | I will always stick by you, no matter what happens. |
| Have someone’s back | To support and protect someone. | Don’t worry, I’ve got your back in this negotiation. |
| Stand by someone | Support or defend someone. | I will always stand by you, no matter what. |
| Be there for someone | To be available to support someone. | I will always be there for you when you need me. |
| Go to bat for someone | To support or defend someone. | He went to bat for me when I was accused of cheating. |
| Stand up for someone | Defend or support someone who is being attacked or criticized. | She stood up for me when everyone else was against me. |
| Rely on someone | Depend on someone for support. | You can always rely on me to help you out. |
| Count on someone | Depend on someone; trust that someone will do what is expected. | You can count on me to be there for you. |
| Lean on someone | Rely on someone for emotional support. | When I’m feeling down, I lean on my friends for support. |
| Be a rock for someone | To be a strong and reliable source of support. | During the crisis, she was a rock for her family. |
| Through thick and thin | Through good times and bad times. | We’ve been friends through thick and thin. |
| In times of need | During difficult or challenging situations. | Friends are there for you in times of need. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble. | He proved to be a friend in need is a friend indeed when he bailed me out of jail. |
| Come to someone’s aid | Help someone in a difficult situation. | My friends came to my aid when I needed help moving. |
| Defend someone to the death | To protect or support someone at all costs. | He would defend his best friend to the death. |
| Ride or die | Extremely loyal and willing to do anything for someone. | They are ride or die friends. |
| Always have someone’s back | To always support and defend someone. | I know I can count on her to always have my back. |
| Be someone’s cheerleader | To enthusiastically support and encourage someone. | She’s always been my cheerleader, encouraging me to pursue my dreams. |
| Be a beacon of hope | To provide guidance and encouragement in difficult times. | During his struggles, his friend was a beacon of hope. |
| Be a pillar of strength | To provide strong support and stability. | She was a pillar of strength for her family after her father passed away. |
| Hold someone’s hand | To provide comfort and support during a difficult time. | I held her hand as she went through the difficult process. |
| Carry someone through | To help someone get through a difficult situation. | His friends carried him through his difficult divorce. |
| Look out for someone | To take care of and protect someone. | I always look out for my younger brother. |
Idioms Describing Shared Experiences and Interests
The subsequent table presents idioms that describe shared experiences and interests between friends. These phrases highlight the common ground that strengthens friendships.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| See eye to eye | Agree with each other. | They always see eye to eye on political issues. |
| On the same page | Having the same understanding or agreement. | We need to make sure we’re on the same page before we start the project. |
| Share common ground | Having similar interests or beliefs. | They share common ground in their love for hiking and camping. |
| Hit it off | To get along well with someone immediately. | We hit it off at the party and talked for hours. |
| Have a blast | To have a great time. | We had a blast at the concert last night. |
| Have a whale of a time | To have a very enjoyable experience. | We had a whale of a time at the beach. |
| Paint the town red | Go out and have a wild and exciting time. | Let’s paint the town red to celebrate your birthday. |
| Partners in crime | Friends who often engage in mischievous or risky activities together. | They are partners in crime; they always get into trouble together. |
| Go way back | To have known someone for a long time. | We go way back; we’ve been friends since elementary school. |
| Share a bond | To have a strong connection or relationship. | They share a bond that can never be broken. |
| Have history together | To have shared significant experiences in the past. | They have history together; they’ve been through a lot. |
| Do everything together | To share most activities and experiences. | They do everything together; they’re inseparable. |
| Have a common language | To understand each other easily, often due to shared experiences or interests. | They have a common language; they know exactly what the other is thinking. |
| Be on the same wavelength | To think and feel the same way. | They’re always on the same wavelength; they understand each other perfectly. |
| Share the same sense of humor | To find the same things funny. | They share the same sense of humor, which makes them great friends. |
| Have a mutual understanding | To have an unspoken agreement or understanding. | They have a mutual understanding; they don’t even need to talk to know what the other is thinking. |
| Enjoy each other’s company | To find pleasure in spending time together. | They simply enjoy each other’s company. |
| Create memories together | To make lasting and meaningful experiences together. | They’ve created so many memories together over the years. |
| Share inside jokes | To have jokes that are only understood by a specific group of people. | They share so many inside jokes that no one else understands. |
| Relive old times | To reminisce about past experiences. | They love to relive old times when they get together. |
| Reminisce about the past | To think about pleasant past events. | They often reminisce about the past when they meet for coffee. |
| Have a shared passion | To have a strong interest in the same activity or subject. | They have a shared passion for photography. |
| Speak the same language | To have similar knowledge or understanding of a subject. | When it comes to technology, they speak the same language. |
Idioms Describing Conflict and Reconciliation
This table lists idioms that describe conflict and reconciliation between friends. These phrases illustrate the ups and downs of friendships and the process of making amends.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Fall out with someone | To have a disagreement and stop being friends. | They fell out with each other over a business deal. |
| Patch things up | To resolve a disagreement and restore a friendship. | They patched things up after their argument and are friends again. |
| Bury the hatchet | To make peace after a conflict. | It’s time to bury the hatchet and move on. |
| Kiss and make up | To reconcile after a quarrel. | They always kiss and make up after a fight. |
| Clear the air | To resolve misunderstandings and tension. | We need to clear the air and talk about what happened. |
| Let bygones be bygones | To forgive and forget past disagreements. | Let bygones be bygones; it’s time to move forward. |
| Get over it | To move past a disagreement or disappointment. | It’s time to get over it and focus on the future. |
| Hold a grudge | To maintain resentment over a past offense. | He held a grudge for years after their argument. |
| Make amends | To do something to correct a wrong. | He tried to make amends for his mistake. |
| Turn the other cheek | To ignore an insult or injury and not retaliate. | She decided to turn the other cheek and not respond to the criticism. |
| Agree to disagree | To accept that you have different opinions and end the argument. | We’ll just have to agree to disagree. |
| Call a truce | To agree to stop fighting or arguing for a period of time. | Let’s call a truce and try to find a solution. |
| Smooth things over | To resolve a problem or disagreement. | He tried to smooth things over after the misunderstanding. |
| Be on the outs | To be in a state of disagreement or estrangement. | They’ve been on the outs since their argument. |
| Have a falling out | To have a serious disagreement that ends a friendship. | They had a falling out and haven’t spoken since. |
| Get off on the wrong foot | To start a relationship badly. | They got off on the wrong foot during their first meeting. |
| Rub someone the wrong way | To irritate or annoy someone. | He tends to rub people the wrong way with his arrogance. |
| Drive a wedge between | To cause a division or separation. | The argument drove a wedge between them. |
| Rebuild bridges | To restore a damaged relationship. | They are working to rebuild bridges after their conflict. |
| Let things slide | To ignore a mistake or offense. | Sometimes you have to let things slide to maintain a friendship. |
| Bite your tongue | To avoid saying something that might cause offense. | I had to bite my tongue to avoid starting an argument. |
Idioms Describing Loss or Absence of Friendship
The following table provides idioms describing the loss or absence of friendship. These phrases convey the feelings of separation, longing, or the end of a friendship.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Grow apart | To gradually become less close or intimate. | Over the years, they just grew apart. |
| Drift apart | To gradually become less close. | After college, they drifted apart. |
| Lose touch | To stop communicating with someone. | We lost touch after she moved to another country. |
| Fade away | To gradually disappear or decline. | Their friendship slowly faded away. |
| Go separate ways | To end a relationship and pursue different paths. | After graduation, they went their separate ways. |
| Part ways | To end a relationship. | They decided to part ways after years of friendship. |
| Leave someone in the lurch | To abandon someone in a difficult situation. | He left me in the lurch when he quit the project. |
| Cut ties | To end a relationship completely. | She decided to cut ties with her toxic friend. |
| Burn bridges | To damage relationships beyond repair. | He burned bridges when he betrayed his colleagues. |
| A broken friendship | A friendship that has ended due to conflict or distance. | Their relationship became a broken friendship after the argument. |
| Gone their separate ways | To have ended a relationship and pursued different paths. | They have gone their separate ways and are no longer in contact. |
| Out of sight, out of mind | If someone or something is not present, it is easily forgotten. | They were close when they lived near each other, but now it’s out of sight, out of mind. |
| A ghost of their former selves | To be a pale or diminished version of what they once were. | Their friendship is now just a ghost of their former selves. |
| The end of an era | The end of a significant period or relationship. | Their breakup marked the end of an era for their friend group. |
| A friendship turned sour | A friendship that has become unpleasant or negative. | Their friendship turned sour after the business deal went wrong. |
| A distant memory | Something that is remembered vaguely or faintly. | Their friendship is now just a distant memory. |
| Fallen by the wayside | To have failed or been abandoned. | Their friendship has fallen by the wayside due to lack of effort. |
| Estranged from each other | To no longer be on friendly terms. | They have become estranged from each other over the years. |
| A relationship in tatters | A relationship that is severely damaged. | Their friendship is in tatters after the betrayal. |
| A lost connection | A connection that has been severed or weakened. | They experienced a lost connection after years apart. |
Usage Rules for Idioms for Friends
Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some important rules to follow:
- Understand the meaning: Make sure you fully understand the meaning of the idiom before using it. Don’t rely on a literal interpretation.
- Consider the context: Use idioms that are appropriate for the situation and audience. Some idioms are more formal or informal than others.
- Use the correct form: Idioms are fixed expressions, so use the exact wording. Avoid changing the words or grammar.
- Be aware of regional variations: Some idioms are more common in certain regions or dialects. Be mindful of your audience.
- Don’t overuse idioms: Using too many idioms can make your speech sound unnatural or forced. Use them sparingly for emphasis and color.
It’s also important to consider the register of the idiom. Some idioms are very informal and should only be used in casual conversation with close friends.
Other idioms are more neutral and can be used in a wider range of contexts. Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms and try to emulate their usage.
Common Mistakes with Idioms for Friends
Learners often make mistakes when using idioms due to their non-literal nature. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| They are as near as thieves. | They are as thick as thieves. | The correct idiom is “as thick as thieves,” not “as near as thieves.” |
| We will stand with you. | We will stand by you. | While “stand with” can mean support, “stand by” is the specific idiom for supporting someone during difficult times. |
| She is a shoulder to cry on her. | She is a shoulder to cry on. | The idiom “a shoulder to cry on” doesn’t require a possessive pronoun. |
| They hit it off the bat. | They hit it off. | The correct idiom is “hit it off,” not “hit it off the bat.” |
| We went our separate ways. | We went our separate ways. | The idiom is “go separate ways”, using the verb “go” rather than “went”. |
| We are in the same page. | We are on the same page. | The correct idiom is “on the same page,” not “in the same page.” |
| He has my back always. | He always has my back. | The correct word order is “always has my back.” |
| They fell out each other. | They fell out with each other. | The correct idiom requires the preposition “with.” |
| Bury the axes. | Bury the hatchet. | The correct idiom is “bury the hatchet,” not “bury the axes.” |
| Let water under the bridge. | Let bygones be bygones. | The idiom “let water under the bridge” exists, but has a different meaning related to forgetting the past. The idiom for reconciliation is “let bygones be bygones” |
Another common mistake is using idioms in inappropriate contexts. For example, using a very informal idiom in a formal presentation would be inappropriate.
Always consider your audience and the situation when choosing idioms.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of friendship idioms with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list provided.
Idiom List: as thick as thieves, a shoulder to cry on, stick by, hit it off, on the same page, go way back, bury the hatchet, went their separate ways, have my back, birds of a feather flock together
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. They’ve been __________ ever since they met in college. | as thick as thieves |
| 2. When she lost her job, her best friend was __________. | a shoulder to cry on |
| 3. I will always __________ you, no matter what happens. | stick by |
| 4. We __________ at the party and talked for hours. | hit it off |
| 5. We need to make sure we’re __________ before we start the project. | on the same page |
| 6. We __________; we’ve been friends since elementary school. | go way back |
| 7. It’s time to __________ and move on. | bury the hatchet |
| 8. After graduation, they __________. | went their separate ways |
| 9. Don’t worry, I __________. | have my back |
| 10. It’s no surprise they’re friends; __________. | birds of a feather flock together |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. They’re so close, they’re like __________. | a) two cats in a bag b) two peas in a pod c) two birds in a tree | b) two peas in a pod |
| 2. I can always __________ my best friend for support. | a) count on b) count at c) count in | a) count on |
| 3. After the argument, they decided to __________ and forget about it. | a) bury the rock b) bury the hatchet c) bury the stone | b) bury the hatchet |
| 4. We __________ immediately and became fast friends. | a) struck it off b) kicked it off c) hit it off | c) hit it off |
| 5. They’ve been friends __________, through good times and bad. | a) through rain and sun b) through thick and thin c) through up and down | b) through thick and thin |
| 6. We need to __________ so we all understand the plan. | a) get on the same book b) get on the same page c) get on the same line | b) get on the same page |
| 7. He’s always there for me; he’s a true __________. | a) friend indeed b) friend in need c) need in friend | b) friend in need |
| 8. After college, they __________ and rarely spoke. | a) drifted apart b) floated away c) sailed off | a) drifted apart |
| 9. I know I can always __________ you to help me out. | a) rely at b) rely on c) rely in | b) rely on |
| 10. They’re always getting into trouble together; they’re true __________. | a) partners in crime b) partners in fun c) partners in joy | a) partners in crime |
Advanced Topics in Friendship Idioms
For advanced learners, exploring the etymology and cultural context of friendship idioms can provide a deeper understanding of their meanings and usage. Many idioms have historical roots that shed light on their figurative meanings.
For example, the idiom “bury the hatchet” comes from a Native American tradition of burying a hatchet to symbolize peace.
Additionally, understanding the cultural values and beliefs that underlie friendship idioms can enhance your ability to use them appropriately. Different cultures may have different views on friendship, and these differences are reflected in their idioms.
For example, some cultures place a greater emphasis on loyalty and support, while others value independence and self-reliance.
Consider the nuances of formality and informality when using friendship idioms. Some idioms are suitable for casual conversation with close friends, while others are more appropriate for formal settings.
Pay attention to the tone and register of the situation and choose idioms accordingly. Overusing idioms can make your speech sound unnatural or forced, so use them sparingly and strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are idioms important in English?
Idioms add color and depth to the English language. Understanding idioms is crucial for effective communication, as they often convey meanings that cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words.
How can I learn more idioms for friends?
Read widely, listen to native speakers, and use online resources and language learning apps. Keep a notebook of new idioms and practice using them in conversation and writing.
Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?
No, idioms can vary between different English-speaking countries and regions. Be aware of regional variations and use idioms that are appropriate for your audience.
Can I create my own idioms?
While it’s possible to create new expressions, idioms are generally fixed and widely recognized. It’s best to focus on learning and using existing idioms correctly.
How do I avoid making mistakes with idioms?
Study the meanings and usage rules of idioms carefully. Pay attention to context and avoid literal interpretations.
Practice using idioms in conversation and writing, and ask for feedback from native speakers.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for friends is a valuable skill for English language learners and native speakers alike. By understanding the meanings, structures, and usage rules of these expressions, you can communicate more effectively and expressively about your relationships with friends.
Continue to expand your vocabulary of friendship idioms and practice using them in various contexts to enhance your fluency and cultural understanding. With dedication and practice, you can confidently navigate the rich tapestry of English idioms and convey the nuances of friendship with flair.