Friendship is a treasure, and exploring its nuances can deepen your connections. In this article, “50 Idioms for Friendship,” you’ll discover delightful expressions that capture the essence of camaraderie and loyalty. These idioms not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you express your feelings in a relatable way.

Get ready to uncover phrases that resonate with your experiences and enhance your conversations. Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing bonds or forge new ones, these idioms will inspire you to celebrate the friendships that light up your life. Let’s dive in!

Idioms for Friendship

1. A friend in need is a friend indeed

Meaning: True friends are those who support you in difficult times.
In a Sentence: When I lost my job, Sarah was there to help; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Other Ways to Say: A true friend shows their worth in tough times.

2. Birds of a feather flock together

Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
In a Sentence: All the artists at the gallery are so close; birds of a feather flock together.
Other Ways to Say: Like attracts like.

3. Two peas in a pod

Meaning: Two people who are very similar or close to each other.
In a Sentence: Jenna and Mia are two peas in a pod; they share everything.
Other Ways to Say: Joined at the hip.

4. Thick as thieves

Meaning: Very close or friendly, often implies a secretive bond.
In a Sentence: Mark and Lisa are thick as thieves, always sharing secrets.
Other Ways to Say: In cahoots.

5. A shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Someone who offers sympathy and support during difficult times.
In a Sentence: After her breakup, she needed a shoulder to cry on.
Other Ways to Say: A listening ear.

6. Friends are the family we choose

Meaning: Friends can be as important as family, often chosen for their compatibility.
In a Sentence: I consider my friends my family; friends are the family we choose.
Other Ways to Say: Chosen family.

7. Get on like a house on fire

Meaning: To have a very good and fast friendship.
In a Sentence: They met at college and got on like a house on fire.
Other Ways to Say: Hit it off.

8. Hand in hand

Meaning: To be closely associated or working together.
In a Sentence: The two organizations worked hand in hand to support the community.
Other Ways to Say: Side by side.

9. Through thick and thin

Meaning: To stand by someone in both good and bad times.
In a Sentence: True friends are there for you through thick and thin.
Other Ways to Say: In good times and bad.

10. The more, the merrier

Meaning: The more friends or people are involved, the better the experience.
In a Sentence: We’re inviting everyone to the party; the more, the merrier!
Other Ways to Say: Many hands make light work.

11. To be in someone’s corner

Meaning: To support someone, especially during challenging times.
In a Sentence: I’m always in your corner, cheering you on.
Other Ways to Say: Have someone’s back.

12. To have a heart-to-heart

Meaning: To have a deep and sincere conversation.
In a Sentence: We had a heart-to-heart about our future last night.
Other Ways to Say: Open up.

13. Like two ships passing in the night

Meaning: Two people who meet briefly without really connecting.
In a Sentence: We were like two ships passing in the night during college.
Other Ways to Say: Missed connections.

14. To strike up a friendship

Meaning: To begin a friendship.
In a Sentence: They struck up a friendship during their summer internship.
Other Ways to Say: Form a bond.

15. To be as thick as blood

Meaning: To be very close, as if related by blood.
In a Sentence: Even though they aren’t related, they are as thick as blood.
Other Ways to Say: Like family.

16. To go way back

Meaning: To have known someone for a long time.
In a Sentence: We go way back to our childhood days.
Other Ways to Say: Longtime friends.

17. To have a blast

Meaning: To have a great time, often with friends.
In a Sentence: We had a blast at the concert last night!
Other Ways to Say: Have a great time.

18. To be on the same wavelength

Meaning: To share similar thoughts and feelings with someone.
In a Sentence: We’re on the same wavelength when it comes to our values.
Other Ways to Say: Think alike.

19. To keep in touch

Meaning: To maintain communication with someone.
In a Sentence: We promised to keep in touch after graduation.
Other Ways to Say: Stay connected.

20. To pour your heart out

Meaning: To share your deepest feelings and thoughts.
In a Sentence: She poured her heart out about her struggles.
Other Ways to Say: Open your heart.

21. To be in the same boat

Meaning: To be in a similar situation as someone else.
In a Sentence: We’re all in the same boat trying to get through this project.
Other Ways to Say: Sharing the same struggles.

22. To take under your wing

Meaning: To mentor or take care of someone.
In a Sentence: She took me under her wing when I started my new job.
Other Ways to Say: Guide someone.

23. To break the ice

Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
In a Sentence: He told a joke to break the ice at the party.
Other Ways to Say: Ease the tension.

24. To go the extra mile

Meaning: To put in extra effort for someone.
In a Sentence: She always goes the extra mile to help her friends.
Other Ways to Say: Go above and beyond.

25. To have each other’s backs

Meaning: To support one another.
In a Sentence: We’ve always had each other’s backs, no matter what.
Other Ways to Say: Stand by someone.

26. To lend an ear

Meaning: To listen to someone sympathetically.
In a Sentence: I’m here to lend an ear if you need to talk.
Other Ways to Say: Be a good listener.

27. To be like family

Meaning: To have a very close bond, similar to family ties.
In a Sentence: My friends are like family to me.
Other Ways to Say: Family-like bond.

28. To have a friend for life

Meaning: To have a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
In a Sentence: We met in kindergarten and became friends for life.
Other Ways to Say: Lifelong friends.

29. To hit it off

Meaning: To quickly become friends with someone.
In a Sentence: We hit it off immediately and have been inseparable ever since.
Other Ways to Say: Get along well.

30. To share a bond

Meaning: To have a strong connection with someone.
In a Sentence: They share a bond that goes beyond friendship.
Other Ways to Say: Have a connection.

31. To be joined at the hip

Meaning: To be very close or inseparable.
In a Sentence: Ever since they met, they’ve been joined at the hip.
Other Ways to Say: Attached at the hip.

32. To weather the storm

Meaning: To endure difficult times together.
In a Sentence: They weathered the storm of their business challenges as a team.
Other Ways to Say: Overcome adversity.

33. To give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning: To deliberately ignore or show indifference.
In a Sentence: After the argument, he gave her the cold shoulder.
Other Ways to Say: Snub someone.

34. To have a special place in someone’s heart

Meaning: To be cherished or valued by someone.
In a Sentence: You will always have a special place in my heart.
Other Ways to Say: Be dear to someone.

35. To stick together

Meaning: To remain united, especially in tough times.
In a Sentence: No matter what happens, we’ll stick together as friends.
Other Ways to Say: Stand united.

36. To be a breath of fresh air

Meaning: Someone who brings new energy or perspective.
In a Sentence: Her enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air in our meetings.
Other Ways to Say: New perspective.

37. To be a ray of sunshine

Meaning: Someone who brings happiness and positivity.
In a Sentence: She’s always smiling; she’s a real ray of sunshine.
Other Ways to Say: Bring joy.

38. To give someone a hand

Meaning: To offer help or assistance.
In a Sentence: Can you give me a hand with this project?
Other Ways to Say: Lend a hand.

39. To be on good terms

Meaning: To have a friendly relationship with someone.
In a Sentence: We’re on good terms after resolving our issues.
Other Ways to Say: Be friendly.

40. To be thick as thieves

Meaning: To be very close friends, often with a sense of secrecy.
In a Sentence: They’re thick as thieves, always planning surprises together.
Other Ways to Say: Close-knit friends.

41. To be a true friend

Meaning: Someone who is loyal and supportive without conditions.
In a Sentence: A true friend will always stand by you.
Other Ways to Say: A loyal companion.

42. To keep your friends close

Meaning: To value and prioritize friendships.
In a Sentence: I believe in keeping my friends close, especially during tough times.
Other Ways to Say: Value friendships.

43. To be in sync

Meaning: To share a mutual understanding or agreement.
In a Sentence: We’re in sync when it comes to our goals for the project.
Other Ways to Say: On the same page.

44. To walk a mile in someone’s shoes

Meaning: To understand someone’s perspective or experiences.
In a Sentence: Before judging her, try to walk a mile in her shoes.
Other Ways to Say: Understand someone’s situation.

45. To pour oil on troubled waters

Meaning: To calm a tense situation.
In a Sentence: He always knows how to pour oil on troubled waters during conflicts.
Other Ways to Say: Smooth things over.

46. To have a soft spot for someone

Meaning: To have a particular fondness for someone.
In a Sentence: I have a soft spot for my childhood friends.
Other Ways to Say: Be fond of someone.

47. To be a loyal ally

Meaning: To be a dependable and supportive friend.
In a Sentence: He’s always been a loyal ally in my endeavors.
Other Ways to Say: A steadfast supporter.

48. To be on the same team

Meaning: To work together towards a common goal.
In a Sentence: We’re on the same team, so let’s collaborate.
Other Ways to Say: Work together.

49. To be a friend through thick and thin

Meaning: To support someone unconditionally.
In a Sentence: She has been a friend through thick and thin since we were kids.
Other Ways to Say: Loyal in all circumstances.

50. To be a good sport

Meaning: To be a good-natured person, especially in difficult situations.
In a Sentence: Even when things didn’t go her way, she was a good sport about it.
Other Ways to Say: Graceful in defeat.

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

Conclusion

In conclusion, idioms for friendship beautifully encapsulate the essence of camaraderie, loyalty, and shared experiences. They offer a unique way to express the depth of your connections and the warmth of your relationships. By incorporating these idioms into your conversations, you can articulate feelings that words alone may struggle to convey. Whether you’re celebrating long-lasting bonds or nurturing new ones, these expressions serve as reminders of the importance of friendship in our lives. Embrace these idioms, and let them enrich your interactions with friends old and new!