45 Idioms for Friendship

Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures, and there are countless ways to express the bond between friends. Whether you’re sharing laughs, lending a hand, or simply enjoying each other’s company, idioms can bring a fun and colorful touch to conversations about friendship.

In this article, we’ve gathered 45 idioms that perfectly capture the essence of friendship. So, let’s dive into these vibrant expressions and explore how they can be used!

Table of Contents

1. Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Meaning: People who are similar or have similar interests tend to spend time together.
In a Sentence: Emma and Sophie both love hiking, so no wonder they are best friends—birds of a feather flock together.
Other Ways to Say: Like attracts like, Cut from the same cloth.

2. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

Meaning: A true friend is one who helps you when you’re going through difficult times.
In a Sentence: Sarah was there for me when I lost my job. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Other Ways to Say: True friends show up when it counts, A friend who helps is a true friend.

3. Thick as Thieves

Meaning: Two people who are very close and share a strong bond, often in a secretive or loyal way.
In a Sentence: Tom and Jerry are inseparable. They’ve been thick as thieves since childhood.
Other Ways to Say: Joined at the hip, Best buds.

4. Two Peas in a Pod

Meaning: Two people who are very similar or always together, much like identical twins.
In a Sentence: Liz and Amy are two peas in a pod, always finishing each other’s sentences.
Other Ways to Say: Partners in crime, Like two sides of the same coin.

5. A Shoulder to Cry On

Meaning: Someone who provides emotional support and comfort when you’re upset.
In a Sentence: After my breakup, Jenny was a shoulder to cry on—I couldn’t have gotten through it without her.
Other Ways to Say: A listening ear, A rock to lean on.

6. Through Thick and Thin

Meaning: To remain loyal to someone no matter the circumstances or challenges.
In a Sentence: Even when I moved away, Emily stood by me through thick and thin.
Other Ways to Say: No matter what, For better or for worse.

7. Like a Brother/Sister to Me

Meaning: A close friend who is as important as family, often used to describe someone you consider family-like.
In a Sentence: Jane has always been like a sister to me—I couldn’t imagine life without her.
Other Ways to Say: Family at heart, My closest kin.

8. Best of Friends

Meaning: The closest or most cherished friend you have.
In a Sentence: We’ve been the best of friends since we were kids.
Other Ways to Say: Besties, Closest confidant.

9. More Than Friends

Meaning: A relationship that goes beyond friendship, often referring to a romantic bond.
In a Sentence: They’ve been close for years, but now they’re more than friends.
Other Ways to Say: Something special, Beyond friendship.

10. Cut from the Same Cloth

Meaning: Two people who are very similar in nature or character.
In a Sentence: Sarah and I are cut from the same cloth—we always think alike!
Other Ways to Say: Birds of a feather, Like-minded.

11. In the Same Boat

Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation as someone else, experiencing similar challenges.
In a Sentence: After losing our jobs, we were in the same boat—both of us had to find new work.
Other Ways to Say: In it together, On the same page.

12. Hands Down

Meaning: Easily, without a doubt—often used to describe the best or most obvious choice.
In a Sentence: Mike is hands down the best friend I’ve ever had—he’s always there when I need him.
Other Ways to Say: No contest, Without question.

13. Ride or Die

Meaning: A friend who will always stand by you, no matter what.
In a Sentence: She’s been my ride or die since we were kids—we’ve been through everything together.
Other Ways to Say: Loyal to the end, Thick as thieves.

14. A Friend Like No Other

Meaning: A friend who is exceptional and irreplaceable.
In a Sentence: You’re a friend like no other—I’m so lucky to have you!
Other Ways to Say: One of a kind, Unique friend.

15. Blood is Thicker Than Water

Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than other relationships, though it’s often used to emphasize the strength of close friendships too.
In a Sentence: I’d always choose my best friend over anyone else—blood is thicker than water.
Other Ways to Say: Family comes first, Loyalty is key.

16. Hanging Out

Meaning: To spend time with someone, usually in a casual or relaxed way.
In a Sentence: I’m just hanging out with Jack this weekend—we’re going to grab some coffee.
Other Ways to Say: Chilling, Spending time together.

17. On the Same Wavelength

Meaning: To have similar thoughts, ideas, or opinions, often in perfect harmony.
In a Sentence: It’s amazing how we’re always on the same wavelength—we never have to explain things twice!
Other Ways to Say: In sync, In tune.

18. You Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Yours

Meaning: A mutual agreement to help each other out.
In a Sentence: If you help me with my project, you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!
Other Ways to Say: Quid pro quo, Give and take.

19. Call it a Day

Meaning: To stop working or doing something, often after a long period of time, and take a break together.
In a Sentence: After a long day of hiking, we decided to call it a day and relax by the campfire.
Other Ways to Say: Pack it in, Wrap things up.

20. A True Blue Friend

Meaning: A loyal and trustworthy friend who is always dependable.
In a Sentence: He’s been a true blue friend—I know I can always count on him.
Other Ways to Say: Real friend, Ride or die.

21. Under One’s Wing

Meaning: To take care of and protect someone, often in a nurturing or guiding way.
In a Sentence: When I first moved to the city, Sarah took me under her wing and showed me around.
Other Ways to Say: Look out for, Show the ropes.

22. BFF (Best Friends Forever)

Meaning: A title given to a person who is considered your closest and dearest friend, often used to signify a lasting bond.
In a Sentence: Jenny and I have been BFFs since elementary school—nothing can break our bond.
Other Ways to Say: Bestie, Forever friends.

23. Like Family

Meaning: Someone who is as important and close as family, even though they may not be related by blood.
In a Sentence: John has always been like family to me; we share everything with each other.
Other Ways to Say: Close as kin, Family by choice.

24. Through Hell and High Water

Meaning: To support someone through extremely difficult or challenging situations.
In a Sentence: No matter what happens, I’ll stick by you through hell and high water.
Other Ways to Say: In good times and bad, No matter the storm.

25. A Friend to the End

Meaning: A friend who remains loyal and supportive through any circumstance, no matter how tough.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry, I’m a friend to the end—I’ll be here for you no matter what.
Other Ways to Say: Forever friend, Loyal companion.

26. Keep Someone at Arm’s Length

Meaning: To maintain a certain emotional distance from someone, often due to trust issues.
In a Sentence: I used to be close to him, but now I keep him at arm’s length after everything that happened.
Other Ways to Say: Keep your distance, Hold someone at a distance.

27. All for One, One for All

Meaning: A phrase that expresses unity, where everyone supports each other as a team.
In a Sentence: Our friendship is based on all for one, one for all—we always have each other’s backs.
Other Ways to Say: Teamwork, United we stand.

28. The Best of Both Worlds

Meaning: Having the ideal combination of two positive elements, often found in close friendships.
In a Sentence: Our friendship is the best of both worlds—we can have fun and still support each other through tough times.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect balance, The ideal combination.

29. Back to Square One

Meaning: To start over from the beginning, often after a setback in a friendship or relationship.
In a Sentence: After our argument, it felt like we were back to square one in our friendship.
Other Ways to Say: Starting over, Beginning anew.

30. Face Like a Wet Weekend

Meaning: Used to describe someone who is down, upset, or sulking, often in the context of a friend going through a rough time.
In a Sentence: Sarah showed up to lunch with a face like a wet weekend—I knew something was bothering her.
Other Ways to Say: Down in the dumps, Looking glum.

31. Good Times, Bad Times

Meaning: The phrase refers to the ups and downs that a true friend will be there for, no matter the situation.
In a Sentence: Through good times and bad times, Mark has been a loyal friend who’s never let me down.
Other Ways to Say: Through thick and thin, In every circumstance.

32. Have Each Other’s Back

Meaning: To support someone, often in difficult or challenging situations.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry, I have your back—I’ll help you out no matter what happens.
Other Ways to Say: Stand by someone, Be there for someone.

33. To Hold Someone in High Regard

Meaning: To respect someone deeply, often used when referring to someone you value as a close friend.
In a Sentence: I hold Jane in high regard—she’s always been supportive and caring.
Other Ways to Say: Think highly of, Look up to.

34. Fair Weather Friend

Meaning: A person who is only around during good times but disappears when things get tough.
In a Sentence: I thought she was my best friend, but she turned out to be a fair weather friend when I needed help.
Other Ways to Say: Fair-weather companion, One who bails out.

35. Make Up for Lost Time

Meaning: To spend time making up for a period when you and a friend were not able to be together.
In a Sentence: After months of not seeing each other, we decided to make up for lost time and spend the whole weekend together.
Other Ways to Say: Catch up, Rekindle the friendship.

36. In the Loop

Meaning: To keep someone informed and involved, often used among close friends.
In a Sentence: You’ve been in the loop with all my plans—don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated.
Other Ways to Say: In the know, Up to speed.

37. A Friend of a Friend

Meaning: A person who becomes a friend through a mutual connection, often a friend of someone you already know.
In a Sentence: Sam is a friend of a friend—we met at Jane’s party and hit it off right away.
Other Ways to Say: New acquaintance, Mutual friend.

38. Laugh Till You Drop

Meaning: To laugh extremely hard or uncontrollably, often while spending time with a friend.
In a Sentence: We were laughing till we dropped when we watched that comedy together!
Other Ways to Say: Laugh out loud, Split your sides laughing.

39. Stand the Test of Time

Meaning: A friendship that remains strong over many years, despite any changes or challenges.
In a Sentence: Our friendship has stood the test of time—we’ve been best friends since we were kids and still stay close.
Other Ways to Say: Last forever, Withstand challenges.

40. Ride the Wave Together

Meaning: To experience good times and bad times in friendship, sharing all the ups and downs together.
In a Sentence: We’ve been riding the wave together through all the highs and lows of life.
Other Ways to Say: Face it together, Go through it together.

41. Two Peas in a Pod

Meaning: Used to describe two people who are very similar or close, often inseparable.
In a Sentence: Sarah and I are two peas in a pod—we think the same way and always agree on everything.
Other Ways to Say: Joined at the hip, Like two peas in a pod.

42. Through Thick and Thin

Meaning: To stand by someone no matter the difficulties or hardships.
In a Sentence: We’ve been through thick and thin together—nothing can shake our friendship.
Other Ways to Say: In all circumstances, No matter the obstacles.

43. As Thick as Thieves

Meaning: Used to describe two people who are very close and share a special bond, often implying trust and secrecy.
In a Sentence: Mark and Jake are as thick as thieves—they’ve been best friends since childhood and can’t keep secrets from each other.
Other Ways to Say: Tight-knit, Close as family.

44. A Shoulder to Cry On

Meaning: Someone who offers emotional support and comfort when you’re going through tough times.
In a Sentence: After my breakup, Anna was a shoulder to cry on, listening to me for hours and offering advice.
Other Ways to Say: Emotional support, Comforting friend.

45. Like Brothers/Sisters

Meaning: A close, sibling-like bond between friends, implying trust, loyalty, and deep affection.
In a Sentence: Even though we’re not related, we’ve been like brothers ever since we met in high school.
Other Ways to Say: Sibling-like, Closest of friends.

MCQ Quiz: Idioms for Friendship

1. What does the idiom “Under One’s Wing” mean?

a) To ignore someone
b) To take care of and protect someone
c) To argue with someone
d) To give someone a gift

Answer: b) To take care of and protect someone

2. Which of the following alternatives can replace “BFF (Best Friends Forever)”?

a) Bestie
b) Acquaintance
c) Colleague
d) Neighbor

Answer: a) Bestie

3. What does the idiom “Through Hell and High Water” imply?

a) Supporting someone in easy times
b) Leaving someone in difficult situations
c) Supporting someone through difficult situations
d) Avoiding difficulties

Answer: c) Supporting someone through difficult situations

4. What does “A Friend to the End” mean?

a) Someone who will leave you when things get tough
b) A friend who remains loyal and supportive through tough times
c) A person who only spends time with you during happy moments
d) Someone who forgets you when things change

Answer: b) A friend who remains loyal and supportive through tough times

5. “Fair Weather Friend” refers to someone who:

a) Sticks with you no matter what
b) Supports you only when things are going well
c) Always listens to your problems
d) Is always available to hang out

Answer: b) Supports you only when things are going well

6. Which of the following best represents the idiom “Keep Someone at Arm’s Length”?

a) Become very close to someone
b) Show affection toward someone
c) Maintain emotional distance from someone
d) Take care of someone

Answer: c) Maintain emotional distance from someone

7. What does the phrase “All for One, One for All” suggest?

a) Everyone is looking out for themselves
b) Everyone supports each other as a team
c) Everyone does their own thing
d) Only one person is supported in the group

Answer: b) Everyone supports each other as a team

8. The idiom “Laugh Till You Drop” means to:

a) Laugh for a short time
b) Laugh uncontrollably for a long period
c) Laugh quietly
d) Avoid laughing

Answer: b) Laugh uncontrollably for a long period

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

a) Someone who is not a true friend
b) A mutual connection you meet through another friend
c) A person you know casually
d) A distant relative

Answer: b) A mutual connection you meet through another friend

10. The idiom “Through Thick and Thin” describes a relationship where:

a) Friends support each other only during good times
b) One person always gets their way
c) Friends support each other in all circumstances
d) Friends are only there when things are easy

Answer: c) Friends support each other in all circumstances

11. “Like Brothers/Sisters” refers to a bond that is:

a) Casual and distant
b) Close, trust-based, and sibling-like
c) Professional and formal
d) Temporary and short-lived

Answer: b) Close, trust-based, and sibling-like

12. “Stand the Test of Time” refers to a friendship that:

a) Is short-lived
b) Breaks under pressure
c) Remains strong over many years
d) Is superficial

Answer: c) Remains strong over many years

13. The idiom “As Thick as Thieves” means:

a) Two people are very close and share a deep bond
b) Two people are distant
c) Two people are competitors
d) Two people disagree on everything

Answer: a) Two people are very close and share a deep bond

14. What does “A Shoulder to Cry On” mean?

a) A person who physically supports you
b) A person who emotionally supports you in tough times
c) A person who shares everything with you
d) A person who gives you financial help

Answer: b) A person who emotionally supports you in tough times

15. “Two Peas in a Pod” describes a friendship that is:

a) Distant and formal
b) Very similar and close
c) Based on occasional interactions
d) Filled with misunderstandings

Answer: b) Very similar and close

Final Words

Friendship is a beautiful journey full of ups and downs. The idioms shared above show the depth of true bonds. From a friend to the end to through thick and thin, they highlight loyalty and support. These expressions reflect how friends truly stand by each other.

The power of friendship lies in its unwavering support. As shown, idioms like two peas in a pod and laugh till you drop capture this connection. Friendship is about trust, joy, and resilience. It is truly one of life’s greatest gifts.

James tony