30 Idioms for Friendship

Friendship is a bond that transcends words, yet idioms provide a colorful way to express the depths of this connection. Using idiomatic expressions can perfectly capture the nuances of friendship and its many forms. Here are 30 idioms that beautifully describe different aspects of friendship.

1. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

Meaning: True friends stand by you in times of trouble.
In a Sentence: When I lost my job, Lisa was the first one to offer help; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Other Ways to Say: A true friend, A loyal friend, A friend who sticks with you.

2. Thick as Thieves

Meaning: Two people who are very close and share secrets.
In a Sentence: Sarah and Jane are thick as thieves; they know everything about each other.
Other Ways to Say: Best buddies, Close-knit, In cahoots.

3. Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Meaning: People with similar interests or personalities tend to spend time together.
In a Sentence: You and Mark are always hanging out birds of a feather flock together.
Other Ways to Say: Like-minded people, Cut from the same cloth, Peas in a pod.

4. Fair-Weather Friend

Meaning: A person who is only around when things are good, but not in tough times.
In a Sentence: He vanished when I was struggling just another fair-weather friend.
Other Ways to Say: Fair-weather companion, Sunny-day friend, Seasonal friend.

5. Two Peas in a Pod

Meaning: Two people who are very similar or close, often inseparable.
In a Sentence: Mark and John are like two peas in a pod; they finish each other’s sentences.
Other Ways to Say: Best friends, Joined at the hip, Partners in crime.

6. Put Your Heads Together

Meaning: To collaborate or work together to solve a problem.
In a Sentence: Let’s put our heads together and figure out a solution to this issue.
Other Ways to Say: Team up, Join forces, Brainstorm.

7. A Shoulder to Cry On

Meaning: Someone who offers emotional support during tough times.
In a Sentence: After my breakup, Jenna was there for me she really was a shoulder to cry on.
Other Ways to Say: Emotional support, Listening ear, Supportive friend.

8. Thick and Thin

Meaning: A phrase that refers to enduring loyalty through good and bad times.
In a Sentence: He’s been with me through thick and thin, always there when I needed him.
Other Ways to Say: Through all circumstances, No matter what, In all situations.

9. Like a Brother/Sister to Me

Meaning: Referring to a friend who is as close as family.
In a Sentence: I’ve known Mark since childhood—he’s like a brother to me.
Other Ways to Say: Like family, A second sibling, A lifelong friend.

10. A Helping Hand

Meaning: Offering assistance or support.
In a Sentence: He was there with a helping hand when I was moving houses.
Other Ways to Say: Lend a hand, Give a hand, Assist someone.

11. Best of Friends

Meaning: A very close and trusted friendship.
In a Sentence: Sam and I have been the best of friends since elementary school.
Other Ways to Say: Closest friends, Best pals, Lifelong friends.

12. A Friend of a Friend

Meaning: A person you know through someone else.
In a Sentence: I met Jessica through Sara; she’s a friend of a friend.
Other Ways to Say: Acquaintance, Social connection, Casual friend.

13. Have Someone’s Back

Meaning: To support or defend someone, especially in difficult situations.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry, I’ve got your back if anything goes wrong.
Other Ways to Say: Stand by someone, Support someone, Be there for someone.

14. Long-Time No See

Meaning: Used when you meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
In a Sentence: Hey, long-time no see! How have you been?
Other Ways to Say: It’s been ages, We haven’t caught up in forever, Been too long.

15. To Hit It Off

Meaning: To get along very well with someone from the start.
In a Sentence: Jane and I really hit it off when we first met at work.
Other Ways to Say: Click instantly, Get along well, Be fast friends.

16. Through Thick and Thin

Meaning: To stay loyal to someone in all circumstances, whether good or bad.
In a Sentence: We’ve been friends through thick and thin, supporting each other no matter what.
Other Ways to Say: Through all ups and downs, Come rain or shine, In good times and bad.

17. Hang Out

Meaning: To spend time together in a casual, relaxed manner.
In a Sentence: Let’s hang out this weekend and catch up on life.
Other Ways to Say: Chill, Spend time together, Socialize.

18. Call It a Day

Meaning: To stop doing something, especially after a long period of effort.
In a Sentence: After hours of working on our project, we decided to call it a day.
Other Ways to Say: Wrap up, Finish up, Call it quits.

19. On the Same Wavelength

Meaning: To be in perfect agreement or harmony with someone.
In a Sentence: Alice and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to music taste.
Other Ways to Say: On the same page, In sync, See eye to eye.

20. Fair and Square

Meaning: Something that is done in a just and honest manner.
In a Sentence: We won the game fair and square, no cheating involved.
Other Ways to Say: Honestly, No trickery, Justly.

21. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
In a Sentence: You really hit the nail on the head when you said we need more communication.
Other Ways to Say: Get it right, Spot on, On target.

22. A True Friend

Meaning: A friend who is genuinely loyal and supportive.
In a Sentence: Only a true friend would be there for me during such a tough time.
Other Ways to Say: A genuine friend, A loyal friend, A real friend.

23. Stand by Someone

Meaning: To support or remain loyal to someone during difficult times.
In a Sentence: Even when things got hard, Emily always stood by me.
Other Ways to Say: Support, Be there for, Stick with.

24. Close to Someone

Meaning: To have a strong emotional bond with someone.
In a Sentence: She’s always been really close to her sister, sharing everything.
Other Ways to Say: Intimate friendship, Tight-knit relationship, Close-knit bond.

25. To Be There for Someone

Meaning: To provide emotional support when someone needs it most.
In a Sentence: You’ve always been there for me when I needed a friend.
Other Ways to Say: Lend an ear, Be supportive, Stand by someone.

26. Best of Both Worlds

Meaning: To enjoy the benefits of two different opportunities or situations.
In a Sentence: With her job and studies, she manages to get the best of both worlds.
Other Ways to Say: Win-win situation, Have it all, Double advantage.

27. A Friend for Life

Meaning: A friendship that will last forever.
In a Sentence: No matter where life takes us, Sara will always be a friend for life.
Other Ways to Say: Lifelong friend, Forever friend, Friend till the end.

28. Like Family

Meaning: Someone who is treated with the same love and care as family members.
In a Sentence: They’ve been friends for years and treat each other like family.
Other Ways to Say: Like kin, Family-like, One of the family.

29. In Good Company

Meaning: To be surrounded by people who are positive, supportive, and enjoyable.
In a Sentence: With all these wonderful people around, I know I’m in good company.
Other Ways to Say: In the right crowd, Surrounded by good people, In pleasant company.

30. Ride or Die

Meaning: A friend who is unconditionally loyal and will support you no matter the circumstances.
In a Sentence: Mark is my ride or die he’s always been there for me through everything.
Other Ways to Say: True blue friend, Rock-solid friend, Always by your side.

Friendship Idioms Quiz

1. What does the idiom “A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed” mean?

a) A friend who only helps when it’s convenient
b) A friend who stands by you in tough times
c) A fair-weather friend
Answer: b) A friend who stands by you in tough times

2. “Thick as Thieves” refers to:

a) Two people who are close and share secrets
b) Two people who are always in trouble
c) Two people who dislike each other
Answer: a) Two people who are close and share secrets

3. What does the idiom “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” mean?

a) People with opposing interests tend to stay together
b) People with similar interests or personalities tend to be together
c) People who don’t talk to each other are still friends
Answer: b) People with similar interests or personalities tend to be together

4. If someone is a “Fair-Weather Friend,” they are:

a) Loyal during both good and bad times
b) Only around during good times
c) Supportive when asked
Answer: b) Only around during good times

5. “Two Peas in a Pod” means:

a) People who are complete opposites
b) People who are very similar or inseparable
c) People who dislike each other
Answer: b) People who are very similar or inseparable

6. To “Put Your Heads Together” means to:

a) Argue with someone
b) Collaborate or work together to solve a problem
c) Keep secrets from each other
Answer: b) Collaborate or work together to solve a problem

7. What does “A Shoulder to Cry On” refer to?

a) Someone who makes you laugh
b) Someone who offers emotional support
c) Someone who gives you advice
Answer: b) Someone who offers emotional support

8. “Through Thick and Thin” describes:

a) Only staying friends during good times
b) Staying loyal through both good and bad times
c) Supporting someone for a short period
Answer: b) Staying loyal through both good and bad times

9. If someone is “Like a Brother/Sister to Me,” they are:

a) An acquaintance
b) A close and trusted friend
c) A fair-weather friend
Answer: b) A close and trusted friend

10. “A Helping Hand” means:

a) To show kindness
b) To give someone a ride
c) To offer assistance or support
Answer: c) To offer assistance or support

11. “Best of Friends” refers to:

a) People who casually know each other
b) A very close and trusted friendship
c) People who don’t see each other often
Answer: b) A very close and trusted friendship

12. What does “A Friend of a Friend” mean?

a) Someone who you know personally
b) Someone you know through someone else
c) A new acquaintance
Answer: b) Someone you know through someone else

13. To “Have Someone’s Back” means to:

a) Ignore their problems
b) Support or defend them
c) Criticize their decisions
Answer: b) Support or defend them

14. “Long-Time No See” is typically used when:

a) You meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time
b) You see someone regularly
c) You meet a new person
Answer: a) You meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time

15. “To Hit It Off” means:

a) To argue with someone
b) To not get along with someone
c) To get along very well from the start
Answer: c) To get along very well from the start

16. “Through Thick and Thin” means:

a) Remaining loyal during both good and bad times
b) Giving up when things get tough
c) Only sticking around during fun times
Answer: a) Remaining loyal during both good and bad times

17. To “Hang Out” means to:

a) Work on a project together
b) Spend time together in a casual way
c) Have a formal meeting
Answer: b) Spend time together in a casual way

18. “Call It a Day” means:

a) Continue working
b) End an activity or task for the day
c) Start a new project
Answer: b) End an activity or task for the day

19. “On the Same Wavelength” means:

a) Not agreeing on anything
b) To be in perfect agreement or harmony with someone
c) Disagreeing on everything
Answer: b) To be in perfect agreement or harmony with someone

20. “Fair and Square” means:

a) A situation where someone cheats
b) A situation that is fair and just
c) A dishonest deal
Answer: b) A situation that is fair and just

21. To “Hit the Nail on the Head” means:

a) To miss the point
b) To describe something exactly right
c) To argue the wrong point
Answer: b) To describe something exactly right

22. “A True Friend” refers to:

a) A person who is always around for fun
b) A person who is genuinely loyal and supportive
c) A person who helps only when needed
Answer: b) A person who is genuinely loyal and supportive

23. To “Stand by Someone” means to:

a) Abandon someone when they need help
b) Support someone during tough times
c) Ignore someone’s problems
Answer: b) Support someone during tough times

24. “Close to Someone” means:

a) A superficial relationship
b) A strong emotional bond with someone
c) A formal business relationship
Answer: b) A strong emotional bond with someone

25. “To Be There for Someone” means:

a) To ignore them
b) To offer emotional support
c) To compete with them
Answer: b) To offer emotional support

26. “Best of Both Worlds” means:

a) Getting only one advantage
b) Enjoying the benefits of two different situations
c) Losing everything
Answer: b) Enjoying the benefits of two different situations

27. “A Friend for Life” refers to:

a) A fleeting friendship
b) A friendship that lasts forever
c) A friendship that fades over time
Answer: b) A friendship that lasts forever

28. “Like Family” means:

a) Someone you don’t know well
b) A friend treated with the same love and care as family
c) An enemy who pretends to be your friend
Answer: b) A friend treated with the same love and care as family

29. “In Good Company” means:

a) You are surrounded by negative people
b) You are in a group of supportive and positive people
c) You are alone
Answer: b) You are in a group of supportive and positive people

30. “Ride or Die” refers to:

a) A fair-weather friend
b) A friend who is always loyal and supportive, no matter what
c) A friend who only stays when it’s easy
Answer: b) A friend who is always loyal and supportive, no matter what

Conclusion

The 30 idioms for friendship not only highlight the beauty and complexity of human relationships but also offer a creative way to express the deep bonds we share with others. Whether describing loyalty, support, or the joy of spending time together, these idioms capture the essence of friendship in varied and colorful ways.

By understanding and using these expressions, we can enrich our conversations and celebrate the enduring nature of true friendship. Whether you’re supporting a friend in need or simply hanging out, these idioms serve as a reminder of the special connections that make life meaningful