Friendship is one of the most valuable connections in life. Whether it’s about loyalty, trust, or companionship, idioms about friendship beautifully capture these emotions. Here are 27 idioms that express the essence of friendship in different ways.

1. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

Meaning: A true friend is one who helps in difficult times.
Example: “She stayed by my side through everything—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 tend to be friends.
Example: “They both love adventure—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; they tell each other everything.”
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 right away at the party.”
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: “He’s been my friend 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; you never see one without the other.”
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 left when I needed him most—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 support.”
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 during tough times.”
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 shared 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 and moved on.”
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.