Friendship is one of the most beautiful parts of life. It brings joy, support, and a sense of belonging. But sometimes, words alone can’t fully capture the depth of these bonds. That’s where idioms come in! Idioms about friendship allow us to express feelings in a creative and meaningful way.
Whether you’re writing a heartfelt message, having a deep conversation, or just looking for fun ways to describe your friendships, these idioms will help. In this article, we’ll explore 20 powerful idioms for friendship along with their meanings, examples, and explanations.
Get ready to add warmth and charm to your words with these wonderful expressions!
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal interpretation of its words. Idioms are used to add color, depth, and emotion to conversations. When it comes to friendship, idioms beautifully illustrate the connections we share with others.
For example, saying someone is your “partner in crime” doesn’t mean you commit actual crimes together—it means you have a close bond and do fun things together. These expressions make our language more vibrant and engaging.
Now, let’s dive into 20 amazing idioms for friendship and how you can use them!
List of Friendship Idioms
- A friend in need is a friend indeed
- Birds of a feather flock together
- Thick as thieves
- Through thick and thin
- Joined at the hip
- A shoulder to cry on
- A match made in heaven
- Cut from the same cloth
- Two peas in a pod
- Fair-weather friend
- Hit it off
- Have someone’s back
- Friends in high places
- Speak the same language
- Be there for someone
- Close-knit friendship
- Old friends are gold
- Stick together like glue
- Go way back
- Ride or die
1. A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed
True friendship is tested in difficult times. This idiom highlights the value of friends who stand by you when you need them most.
Definition: A true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble.
In a Sentence: “When I lost my job, Sarah was there to support me. Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed.“
Example: Imagine facing a tough time, and your best friend stays by your side, offering comfort and assistance. This shows they are a genuine friend.
Explanation: A real friend doesn’t just enjoy the good times with you—they stay by your side when things get tough.
Other Ways to Say It:
- A true friend is known in adversity
- Hard times reveal true friends
- Real friends stick around
- You know your friends when you’re down
- Tough times show real friendships
2. Birds of a Feather Flock Together
People with similar interests and personalities tend to become close friends.
Definition: Friends often share similar habits, interests, or values.
In a Sentence: “Mark and James both love hiking, gaming, and reading. No wonder they are best friends—birds of a feather flock together!“
Example: If you see a group of people who always spend time together and share similar interests, this idiom describes them.
Explanation: Friendships are often formed between people with common hobbies, beliefs, or personalities.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Like attracts like
- Friends share common interests
- Similar people stick together
- People bond over similarities
- We find friends like ourselves
3. Thick as Thieves
Close friends often have a deep, unbreakable bond.
Definition: Two people who are extremely close and share everything.
In a Sentence: “Since childhood, Emma and Olivia have been thick as thieves—they tell each other everything!”
Example: Two best friends who share secrets, laugh together, and always support each other.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that close friends trust each other deeply and have a strong connection.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Inseparable friends
- Like family
- Best friends forever
- Closer than siblings
- Bonded for life
4. Through Thick and Thin
True friends stay by your side, no matter the situation.
Definition: To remain loyal and supportive in both good and bad times.
In a Sentence: “No matter what happens, Jake and I have been together through thick and thin.“
Example: If your best friend supports you through happy moments and hardships, they stick with you through thick and thin.
Explanation: A genuine friendship doesn’t change based on circumstances. True friends are always there, whether times are easy or tough.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Stand by someone no matter what
- Be there through highs and lows
- Stay together despite challenges
- Loyal through everything
- Stick around through good and bad
5. Joined at the Hip
Some friends are so close that they seem inseparable.
Definition: Two people who spend almost all their time together.
In a Sentence: “Ever since they met in college, Anna and Sophie have been joined at the hip.“
Example: If two best friends do everything together—go out, study, and travel—they are joined at the hip.
Explanation: This idiom suggests a strong friendship where two people are nearly always seen together.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Inseparable friends
- Always together
- Like two halves of a whole
- Stuck together
- Attached at the hip
6. A Shoulder to Cry On
A true friend is always there to provide emotional support.
Definition: A friend who listens and comforts you when you are sad.
In a Sentence: “Whenever I feel down, Mike is always a shoulder to cry on.“
Example: If you’re feeling upset and your best friend listens and helps you feel better, they are a shoulder to cry on.
Explanation: This idiom describes someone who provides emotional support and comfort in difficult times.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Someone to lean on
- A listening ear
- A comforting presence
- A friend who supports you
- Someone who truly cares
7. A Match Made in Heaven
Some friendships feel like they were meant to be.
Definition: A perfect and harmonious friendship or relationship.
In a Sentence: “Lisa and Emma share the same dreams and values—they are a match made in heaven.“
Example: If two friends get along effortlessly and complement each other’s personalities, they are a match made in heaven.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that some friendships feel destined because they work so well together.
Other Ways to Say It:
- A perfect pair
- A natural fit
- Friends meant to be
- An ideal friendship
- Soulmate friends
8. Cut from the Same Cloth
Some friends are so alike that they seem identical in personality.
Definition: Two people who are very similar in character or behavior.
In a Sentence: “Both Chris and Tom love adventure and have the same sense of humor. They are truly cut from the same cloth.“
Example: If two friends share the same habits, reactions, and choices, they are cut from the same cloth.
Explanation: This idiom means that two friends have strikingly similar personalities or values.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Like two peas in a pod
- Very much alike
- Sharing the same nature
- Born from the same mold
- Two of a kind
9. Two Peas in a Pod
Some friends are so similar that they feel like twins.
Definition: Two very close and similar people.
In a Sentence: “Emily and Sophia always dress alike and finish each other’s sentences. They are two peas in a pod.“
Example: If you and your best friend think, act, and even look alike, you are two peas in a pod.
Explanation: This idiom describes a friendship where both people are almost identical in personality or interests.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Like twins
- Very much alike
- Just the same
- Matching personalities
- Best friends forever
10. Fair-Weather Friend
Not all friendships are strong—some friends disappear when times get tough.
Definition: Someone who is only a friend when things are going well but disappears when problems arise.
In a Sentence: “John was always around when I had money, but when I needed help, he disappeared. He was just a fair-weather friend.“
Example: If a person is friendly only when things are going well but is absent during hard times, they are a fair-weather friend.
Explanation: This idiom refers to someone who is not a true friend because they only stay when life is easy.
Other Ways to Say It:
- A fake friend
- Someone who only comes around in good times
- An unreliable friend
- Not a true friend
- A temporary companion
11. Hit It Off
Some friendships start instantly, as if two people were meant to be friends.
Definition: To quickly become good friends with someone.
In a Sentence: “I met Jake at a conference, and we hit it off immediately!”
Example: If two people meet for the first time and instantly connect, they have hit it off.
Explanation: This idiom describes how some friendships form effortlessly and naturally from the first meeting.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Click with someone
- Get along instantly
- Become fast friends
- Have an instant connection
- Bond right away
12. Have Someone’s Back
A true friend is always there to support and protect you.
Definition: To support and stand up for a friend in any situation.
In a Sentence: “No matter what happens, I know Lily always has my back.“
Example: If someone defends you in an argument or helps you when you’re in trouble, they have your back.
Explanation: This idiom shows loyalty and the willingness to protect and support a friend.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Stand by someone
- Be there for someone
- Offer support
- Defend a friend
- Look out for someone
13. Friends in High Places
Some friendships can be beneficial because of a person’s position or status.
Definition: Having friends who are influential or powerful.
In a Sentence: “He got the job easily because he has friends in high places.“
Example: If someone gets special opportunities because of their powerful connections, they have friends in high places.
Explanation: This idiom refers to people who have influential friends who can help them in different situations.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Well-connected
- Knows influential people
- Has powerful friends
- Socially advantaged
- Knows the right people
14. Speak the Same Language
Some friends understand each other so well that they never have misunderstandings.
Definition: To understand each other perfectly and share similar thoughts.
In a Sentence: “Even though they are from different cultures, Jake and Amir speak the same language when it comes to business.”
Example: If two friends always agree and easily communicate, they speak the same language.
Explanation: This idiom means that two people understand each other very well, even beyond words.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Be on the same page
- Understand each other completely
- Have similar thoughts
- Connect easily
- Think alike
15. Be There for Someone
A real friend is always present in times of need.
Definition: To offer emotional or physical support to a friend.
In a Sentence: “No matter what, I promise to always be there for you.“
Example: If your friend needs comfort after a breakup, and you listen to them, you are there for them.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes loyalty and support in a friendship.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Stand by someone
- Support through thick and thin
- Be a reliable friend
- Offer comfort
- Never leave a friend alone
16. Close-Knit Friendship
Some friendships are so strong that they feel like family.
Definition: A deep and strong friendship where friends are very close.
In a Sentence: “Our friend group is small, but we have a close-knit friendship.“
Example: If a group of friends supports, trusts, and spends time together like a family, they have a close-knit friendship.
Explanation: This idiom refers to friendships that are deeply bonded and filled with trust and care.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Tight-knit friends
- Deep connection
- Strong bond
- Family-like friendship
- Closely connected
17. Old Friends Are Gold
Long-term friendships hold a special place in our hearts.
Definition: Long-lasting friendships are valuable and irreplaceable.
In a Sentence: “Even though we made new friends, I always believe that old friends are gold.“
Example: If you’ve had a friend for over 20 years and they still support you, they are gold.
Explanation: This idiom compares old friendships to gold, meaning they are rare and valuable.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Longtime friends are precious
- Old friends are treasures
- Lifelong friendships are priceless
- Cherish old friendships
- Value the past connections
18. Stick Together Like Glue
Some friendships are so strong that nothing can break them apart.
Definition: To stay very close and never separate.
In a Sentence: “No matter what happens, Sarah and I always stick together like glue.“
Example: If two friends go through every life event together, they stick together like glue.
Explanation: This idiom means that close friends stay connected no matter the circumstances.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Stay inseparable
- Be together always
- Stick by each other
- Never leave each other’s side
- Stay connected forever
19. Go Way Back
Some friendships last a lifetime, starting from childhood or youth.
Definition: To have been friends for a very long time.
In a Sentence: “I’ve known Jake since kindergarten—we go way back.“
Example: If you and your best friend have been close since childhood, you go way back.
Explanation: This idiom highlights friendships that have lasted many years.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Have known each other forever
- Be longtime friends
- Have a history together
- Be childhood buddies
- Have years of friendship
20. Ride or Die
A true friend will stand by your side no matter what.
Definition: A deeply loyal friend who will support you no matter what happens.
In a Sentence: “No matter what challenges we face, Jake is my ride or die.“
Example: If your friend is willing to stand by you in any situation, they are your ride or die.
Explanation: This idiom means that a friend is extremely loyal and will always be there for you.
Other Ways to Say It:
- True loyal friend
- Best friend for life
- Unbreakable bond
- A friend through anything
- A forever companion
Other Ways to Say “Friendship Idioms”
Here are some alternative ways to refer to friendship idioms:
- Expressions of friendship
- Sayings about friends
- Phrases about companionship
- Proverbs on friendship
- Common friendship expressions
Final Thoughts
Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts, and using idioms about friendship makes it even more special. Whether you want to describe a lifelong bond, a new connection, or a supportive friend, these expressions add warmth and meaning to your words.
Try using these friendship idioms in your conversations, texts, or even heartfelt letters to friends. It’s a fun and meaningful way to show appreciation for the special people in your life!
FAQs
1. What are friendship idioms?
Friendship idioms are phrases that describe the nature of friendships in a creative way.
2. Why should I use idioms for friendship?
Idioms make conversations more expressive, fun, and emotionally engaging.
3. Are friendship idioms used in everyday English?
Yes! Many of these idioms are commonly used in daily conversations and writing.
4. Can idioms about friendship be used in formal writing?
Some idioms work well in casual writing, while others can add warmth to formal messages.
5. How can I learn more idioms?
Reading books, watching movies, and practicing conversations can help you discover and use more idioms naturally.
Grace Marie is the creator and writer behind Grammer Guru, a platform dedicated to helping people improve their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a passion for language and a keen eye for detail, Grace provides clear, practical advice on grammar rules, writing techniques, and common linguistic pitfalls.
