Friendship is one of the most cherished bonds in life. Whether it’s about loyalty, fun, or deep connection, idioms about friendship perfectly capture these feelings. Here are 27 idioms that describe different aspects of friendship.
1. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
Meaning: A true friend is one who helps in difficult times.
Example: “He was there for me when I lost my job—a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Tone: Wise, appreciative.
Other ways to say it: True friendship, loyal companion.
2. Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Meaning: People with similar interests become friends.
Example: “They both love hiking—birds of a feather flock together.”
Tone: Observational, casual.
Other ways to say it: Like-minded friends, kindred spirits.
3. Thick as Thieves
Meaning: Very close friends who share secrets.
Example: “Those two are thick as thieves, always whispering to each other.”
Tone: Playful, informal.
Other ways to say it: Best buddies, inseparable.
4. Hit It Off
Meaning: Instantly become good friends.
Example: “We hit it off the moment we met.”
Tone: Friendly, engaging.
Other ways to say it: Connect instantly, click.
5. Through Thick and Thin
Meaning: Stay loyal in good and bad times.
Example: “She’s stood by me through thick and thin.”
Tone: Supportive, heartfelt.
Other ways to say it: Stand by, true friend.
6. Joined at the Hip
Meaning: Always together.
Example: “They’re joined at the hip, doing everything together.”
Tone: Lighthearted, fun.
Other ways to say it: Constant companions, inseparable.
7. Fair-Weather Friend
Meaning: A friend who is only around when things are good.
Example: “He disappeared when I needed help—just a fair-weather friend.”
Tone: Disappointed, critical.
Other ways to say it: Fake friend, unreliable companion.
8. Lend a Hand
Meaning: Help a friend.
Example: “She always lends a hand when I need her.”
Tone: Supportive, caring.
Other ways to say it: Offer help, be there for.
9. Shoulder to Cry On
Meaning: A comforting friend.
Example: “She’s always been a shoulder to cry on.”
Tone: Warm, supportive.
Other ways to say it: Emotional support, good listener.
10. Get Along Like a House on Fire
Meaning: Instantly become great friends.
Example: “We met last week and get along like a house on fire!”
Tone: Excited, positive.
Other ways to say it: Instant connection, fast friends.
11. Hand in Glove
Meaning: A perfect friendship or partnership.
Example: “Their personalities fit together like hand in glove.”
Tone: Descriptive, appreciative.
Other ways to say it: Perfect pair, close bond.
12. Old Friends are Gold
Meaning: Long-time friends are the most valuable.
Example: “We’ve been friends since childhood—old friends are gold.”
Tone: Sentimental, nostalgic.
Other ways to say it: Cherished friendship, lifelong friends.
13. Two Peas in a Pod
Meaning: Two people who are very similar.
Example: “They’re two peas in a pod, always thinking alike.”
Tone: Affectionate, casual.
Other ways to say it: Perfect match, like twins.
14. Bond Like Glue
Meaning: Form a strong friendship.
Example: “We bonded like glue over our love of music.”
Tone: Friendly, close.
Other ways to say it: Stick together, deep connection.
15. Friends in High Places
Meaning: Friends who have influence or power.
Example: “He got the job because he has friends in high places.”
Tone: Strategic, knowing.
Other ways to say it: Useful connections, influential friends.
16. Bury the Hatchet
Meaning: Make peace with a friend after a disagreement.
Example: “We had an argument, but we buried the hatchet.”
Tone: Reconciliatory, positive.
Other ways to say it: Let go, forgive and forget.
17. Like a Brother/Sister
Meaning: A friend who is as close as family.
Example: “She’s like a sister to me—we’ve been through everything together.”
Tone: Warm, affectionate.
Other ways to say it: Family-like bond, chosen family.
18. Call It Even
Meaning: Resolve a conflict in a fair way.
Example: “I owe you one, but let’s call it even.”
Tone: Fair, friendly.
Other ways to say it: Settle things, make peace.
19. Like Chalk and Cheese
Meaning: Completely different but still friends.
Example: “We’re like chalk and cheese, but we get along well.”
Tone: Light, fun.
Other ways to say it: Opposites attract, different yet close.
20. Cut from the Same Cloth
Meaning: Share similar characteristics.
Example: “They think alike because they’re cut from the same cloth.”
Tone: Descriptive, friendly.
Other ways to say it: Alike, share traits.
21. Make Friends Like a Magnet
Meaning: Easily form friendships.
Example: “She makes friends like a magnet everywhere she goes!”
Tone: Admiring, friendly.
Other ways to say it: Social butterfly, friendly nature.
22. Put in a Good Word
Meaning: Recommend a friend.
Example: “I put in a good word for her at the company.”
Tone: Helpful, supportive.
Other ways to say it: Recommend, vouch for.
23. Partners in Crime
Meaning: Best friends who do everything together.
Example: “They’ve been partners in crime since childhood.”
Tone: Playful, mischievous.
Other ways to say it: Sidekicks, close companions.
24. Ride or Die
Meaning: A friend who stays no matter what.
Example: “She’s my ride or die—we’ve been through everything together.”
Tone: Loyal, deep.
Other ways to say it: Unbreakable bond, forever friend.
25. Keep in Touch
Meaning: Stay connected with a friend.
Example: “We promised to keep in touch after graduation.”
Tone: Friendly, nostalgic.
Other ways to say it: Stay connected, maintain friendship.
26. True Blue Friend
Meaning: A deeply loyal friend.
Example: “He’s a true blue friend, always by my side.”
Tone: Trusting, warm.
Other ways to say it: Loyal friend, faithful companion.
27. Good Friends are Hard to Find
Meaning: True friendship is rare and valuable.
Example: “She’s a true friend, and good friends are hard to find.”
Tone: Appreciative, wise.
Other ways to say it: Treasure your friends, friendship is rare.
Conclusion
Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts, and these idioms perfectly capture its joy, loyalty, and depth. Whether you’re celebrating old friends or making new ones, these expressions add warmth to your words.
