Fake friends can be hard to spot at first. They may act kind, but their actions show otherwise. In the USA, people often use idioms to talk about such people in a colorful way. These sayings make it easier to describe someone who pretends to be a friend but is not truly there for you.
Idioms for fake friends often come from everyday life, history, or old stories. They give a clear picture of the behavior without needing a long explanation. By learning these phrases, you can recognize signs of a false friend and express your feelings better. In this guide, we will explore many American idioms that can help you talk about fake friends in a simple and relatable way.
Idioms for Fake Friends
1. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Someone who pretends to be kind but has bad intentions.
Example Sentence: Lisa seemed friendly at first, but she turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Other ways to say: Two-faced, pretending to be nice.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from an old fable warning about dangerous people hiding behind a friendly look.
Usage: Used when talking about someone who hides their true nature to gain trust.
2. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: A friend who is only around when things are good.
Example Sentence: Mike disappeared when I lost my job—he’s just a fair-weather friend.
Other ways to say: Only there in good times, part-time friend.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from weather talk—people like sunny days but disappear in storms.
Usage: Used to describe friends who leave when times get tough.
3. Snake in the grass
Meaning: Someone who hides their bad side until it’s too late.
Example Sentence: I trusted her, but she was a snake in the grass.
Other ways to say: Backstabber, sneaky person.
Fun Fact/Origin: Early farmers used this phrase to warn about snakes hiding in tall grass.
Usage: Used for people who secretly plot against you.
4. Backstabber
Meaning: A person who betrays you behind your back.
Example Sentence: He smiled to my face but lied about me to the boss—what a backstabber.
Other ways to say: Two-faced, betrayer.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of attacking someone from behind where they can’t defend themselves.
Usage: Common when someone pretends to be a friend but harms you secretly.
5. Talk behind your back
Meaning: Gossip or say bad things about you when you’re not there.
Example Sentence: I found out she talks behind my back to everyone at school.
Other ways to say: Gossip, badmouth.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase paints a picture of someone speaking while you can’t see or hear them.
Usage: Used for fake friends who spread rumors.
6. Two-faced
Meaning: Acting nice to your face but mean behind it.
Example Sentence: He’s two-faced—smiling in front of me but making fun of me later.
Other ways to say: Dishonest, double-dealing.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from theater masks showing two different expressions.
Usage: Common when someone acts friendly but can’t be trusted.
7. Throw you under the bus
Meaning: Betray you to protect themselves.
Example Sentence: When the teacher asked, Jake threw me under the bus to save himself.
Other ways to say: Betray, sell out.
Fun Fact/Origin: Likely from political slang in the USA in the 1980s.
Usage: Used when someone sacrifices you for their own benefit.
8. Stab you in the back
Meaning: Betray someone who trusts you.
Example Sentence: I helped her study, but she stabbed me in the back by spreading lies.
Other ways to say: Betray, double-cross.
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to ancient Rome, linked to surprise attacks.
Usage: Often used when trust is broken suddenly.
9. Smile to your face, cut you down behind your back
Meaning: Pretend to be friendly but insult you when you’re gone.
Example Sentence: She smiles to my face, but cuts me down behind my back.
Other ways to say: Fake nice, talk bad.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American workplaces and schools to describe hidden bullying.
Usage: Describes someone who’s secretly mean.
10. Judas kiss
Meaning: A fake gesture of friendship before betrayal.
Example Sentence: His gift felt like a Judas kiss after what he did.
Other ways to say: False kindness, treacherous act.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the Bible story where Judas kissed Jesus before betraying him.
Usage: Used when fake kindness hides a plan to harm.
11. Talk out of both sides of your mouth
Meaning: Say different things to different people to please everyone.
Example Sentence: He talks out of both sides of his mouth—telling me one thing and my boss another.
Other ways to say: Double-talking, inconsistent.
Fun Fact/Origin: American slang from the 1800s for dishonesty.
Usage: Describes someone who changes their story to fit the crowd.
12. Burn you
Meaning: Treat you unfairly or betray your trust.
Example Sentence: She burned me by taking credit for my idea.
Other ways to say: Cheat, wrong you.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the painful feeling of being tricked.
Usage: Often used in friendships and business deals.
13. Fake it to your face
Meaning: Pretend to be genuine while hiding bad intentions.
Example Sentence: He fakes it to my face but avoids me in real life.
Other ways to say: Pretend, act nice.
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in American slang to call out fake social behavior.
Usage: Used when someone is only pretending for appearances.
14. Pull the rug out from under you
Meaning: Suddenly remove support or betray you.
Example Sentence: They pulled the rug out from under me when they canceled the project.
Other ways to say: Abandon, leave hanging.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of someone falling when a rug is pulled.
Usage: Used when trust or stability is taken away suddenly.
15. Cold shoulder
Meaning: Ignore someone on purpose.
Example Sentence: She gave me the cold shoulder after I got the promotion.
Other ways to say: Snub, avoid.
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates to the 1800s, where serving a cold meal signaled unwelcome guests.
Usage: Often used when fake friends suddenly turn distant.
16. Sell you out
Meaning: Reveal your secrets or betray you for personal gain.
Example Sentence: He sold me out to get the manager’s favor.
Other ways to say: Betray, double-cross.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American crime and sports slang.
Usage: Used when someone trades loyalty for benefits.
17. Lead you on
Meaning: Give false hope or mislead.
Example Sentence: She led me on, pretending to care, but she didn’t mean it.
Other ways to say: Mislead, string along.
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in both dating and friendship situations.
Usage: Describes false promises.
18. Play both sides
Meaning: Support both parties for personal gain.
Example Sentence: He plays both sides so he always wins.
Other ways to say: Fence-sitting, double-dealing.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from gambling and politics.
Usage: Used for people who want to benefit from both teams.
19. Give lip service
Meaning: Pretend to agree without real action.
Example Sentence: She gave me lip service about helping, but never showed up.
Other ways to say: Empty promises, false praise.
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in the USA in the 1800s.
Usage: Used when someone’s words don’t match their actions.
20. Have a hidden agenda
Meaning: Pretend to help but have secret goals.
Example Sentence: I think he’s helping me because he has a hidden agenda.
Other ways to say: Secret motive, ulterior motive.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common political phrase in the USA.
Usage: Used when trust is questioned.
21. Pull a fast one
Meaning: Trick or cheat someone.
Example Sentence: He pulled a fast one by switching the papers.
Other ways to say: Trick, deceive.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from American card games.
Usage: Describes a quick betrayal.
22. Throw shade
Meaning: Insult someone subtly.
Example Sentence: She kept throwing shade about my clothes.
Other ways to say: Insult, mock.
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in African American slang and later in pop culture.
Usage: Common in social media talk.
23. Play dirty
Meaning: Act unfairly to win.
Example Sentence: He played dirty by spreading lies about me.
Other ways to say: Cheat, fight unfair.
Fun Fact/Origin: From American sports talk.
Usage: Describes unethical actions.
24. Bury the knife in your back
Meaning: Deep betrayal.
Example Sentence: She buried the knife in my back after I helped her.
Other ways to say: Betray deeply, double-cross.
Fun Fact/Origin: A stronger form of “stab you in the back.”
Usage: Used for severe betrayals.
25. Put on a front
Meaning: Pretend to be someone you’re not.
Example Sentence: He puts on a front like he cares, but he doesn’t.
Other ways to say: Fake personality, act.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in urban slang.
Usage: Describes fake public behavior.
26. Wolf in the fold
Meaning: Dangerous person hidden in a safe group.
Example Sentence: There’s a wolf in the fold spreading lies.
Other ways to say: Hidden threat, insider danger.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sheep farming and Bible references.
Usage: Used when someone dangerous is inside a trusted group.
27. Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
Meaning: Try to please both sides in a conflict.
Example Sentence: He runs with the hare and hunts with the hounds in every argument.
Other ways to say: Fence-sitter, double-dealer.
Fun Fact/Origin: Old English hunting proverb.
Usage: Used for people who avoid taking sides.
28. Dog-eat-dog
Meaning: A ruthless, competitive environment where friends betray each other.
Example Sentence: It’s a dog-eat-dog world in this office.
Other ways to say: Cutthroat, backstabbing.
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates to 16th century England, popular in USA business talk.
Usage: Describes unfriendly competition.
29. Take you for a ride
Meaning: Trick or cheat you.
Example Sentence: They took me for a ride with that fake contract.
Other ways to say: Swindle, scam.
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in 1920s gangster slang.
Usage: Describes deceit.
30. Spill the beans about you
Meaning: Tell your secrets.
Example Sentence: She spilled the beans about my surprise party to everyone.
Other ways to say: Reveal, snitch.
Fun Fact/Origin: Ancient voting involved beans; spilling them revealed results early.
Usage: Used for gossip or betrayal.
31. Cross you
Meaning: Betray or act against you.
Example Sentence: He crossed me after I helped him with his homework.
Other ways to say: Betray, double-cross.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old crime slang meaning “to cheat.”
Usage: Used when someone goes against a friend’s trust.
32. Play you like a fiddle
Meaning: Manipulate you easily.
Example Sentence: She played me like a fiddle to get what she wanted.
Other ways to say: Trick, control.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to playing an instrument skillfully—here meaning skillful manipulation.
Usage: Used when someone takes advantage of you.
33. Use you as a stepping stone
Meaning: Be friends only to benefit from you.
Example Sentence: He used me as a stepping stone to get into the club.
Other ways to say: Exploit, take advantage.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of stepping on stones to cross water.
Usage: Common in work or school settings.
34. Turn on you
Meaning: Suddenly become hostile.
Example Sentence: She turned on me the moment I disagreed.
Other ways to say: Betray, attack.
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in animal training—when a tame animal becomes aggressive.
Usage: Describes sudden betrayal.
35. Throw dirt on your name
Meaning: Damage your reputation.
Example Sentence: He threw dirt on my name after we stopped talking.
Other ways to say: Slander, badmouth.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of making something dirty.
Usage: Used when fake friends gossip to harm your image.
36. Sing like a canary
Meaning: Tell secrets to get themselves out of trouble.
Example Sentence: He sang like a canary to the teacher when caught.
Other ways to say: Snitch, reveal all.
Fun Fact/Origin: From mob slang about informants.
Usage: Often used for betrayal under pressure.
37. Leave you high and dry
Meaning: Abandon you when you need help.
Example Sentence: She left me high and dry before the big event.
Other ways to say: Abandon, desert.
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally used in sailing—ships stuck without water floated “high and dry.”
Usage: Describes being left without support.
38. Friend of convenience
Meaning: Only around when they get something out of it.
Example Sentence: He’s just a friend of convenience, calling when he needs help.
Other ways to say: Opportunist, user.
Fun Fact/Origin: Modern American social phrase.
Usage: Describes selfish friendships.
39. Hit below the belt
Meaning: Do something unfair or cruel.
Example Sentence: Spreading that rumor was hitting below the belt.
Other ways to say: Be unfair, low blow.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from boxing rules—hits below the belt are illegal.
Usage: Describes underhanded tactics.
40. Pull strings behind your back
Meaning: Secretly influence things against you.
Example Sentence: He pulled strings behind my back to get my spot.
Other ways to say: Manipulate, scheme.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to puppet strings being controlled in secret.
Usage: Used when fake friends act secretly to harm you.
41. Ghost you
Meaning: Suddenly cut off all contact without explanation.
Example Sentence: She ghosted me after I asked for help.
Other ways to say: Disappear, ignore.
Fun Fact/Origin: Modern slang from online dating and texting culture.
Usage: Describes vanishing from someone’s life without reason.
42. Set you up
Meaning: Trick you into a trap.
Example Sentence: He set me up to take the blame.
Other ways to say: Frame, entrap.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in crime and school pranks.
Usage: Describes arranging trouble for someone.
43. Butter you up
Meaning: Flatter you for selfish reasons.
Example Sentence: She buttered me up so I’d lend her money.
Other ways to say: Flatter, sweet-talk.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of coating something in butter to make it smooth.
Usage: Used when someone is fake-nice for gain.
44. Hold something over your head
Meaning: Use a secret or mistake to control you.
Example Sentence: He’s holding my past mistake over my head.
Other ways to say: Blackmail, threaten.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of a weapon or danger hanging above you.
Usage: Describes control through threats.
45. Play possum
Meaning: Pretend to be harmless while planning something.
Example Sentence: He played possum until it was time to act.
Other ways to say: Fake innocence, pretend.
Fun Fact/Origin: Opossums “play dead” to avoid predators.
Usage: Describes faking weakness for gain.
46. Keep you at arm’s length
Meaning: Avoid closeness or trust.
Example Sentence: She keeps me at arm’s length so she won’t have to help.
Other ways to say: Avoid, distance.
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to the 1600s, meaning to keep danger away.
Usage: Used for distant, guarded friendships.
47. Poison your well
Meaning: Harm your reputation so others don’t trust you.
Example Sentence: He poisoned my well by spreading lies.
Other ways to say: Ruin, sabotage.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old wartime tactic of ruining water supplies.
Usage: Describes destroying trust before it starts.
48. Keep up appearances
Meaning: Pretend everything is fine for others to see.
Example Sentence: She keeps up appearances at school, but we’re not real friends.
Other ways to say: Fake image, pretend.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in social and family talk.
Usage: Describes fake friendliness for show.
49. Pull the wool over your eyes
Meaning: Trick or deceive you.
Example Sentence: He pulled the wool over my eyes with that fake story.
Other ways to say: Trick, fool.
Fun Fact/Origin: Possibly from old-fashioned wigs falling over the eyes.
Usage: Used for clever lies.
50. Show your true colors
Meaning: Reveal your real personality.
Example Sentence: She showed her true colors when she gossiped about me.
Other ways to say: Reveal true self, expose.
Fun Fact/Origin: From naval flags—ships flew false colors to trick enemies.
Usage: Often used when a fake friend is exposed.
51. Bend the truth
Meaning: Change the facts to suit yourself.
Example Sentence: He bent the truth to make me look bad.
Other ways to say: Twist the truth, lie.
Fun Fact/Origin: A softer way of saying “lie.”
Usage: Used when someone manipulates facts.
52. Keep your friends close, enemies closer
Meaning: Stay near people who might hurt you to watch them.
Example Sentence: I keep my friends close, but my enemies closer at work.
Other ways to say: Watch your rivals, stay alert.
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized by the movie “The Godfather Part II.”
Usage: Used for cautious relationships.
53. Double agent
Meaning: Pretend to be loyal while working for the other side.
Example Sentence: He’s a double agent in our group project.
Other ways to say: Mole, traitor.
Fun Fact/Origin: From spy terminology.
Usage: Describes hidden betrayal.
54. Sweet talk you
Meaning: Use charming words to get something.
Example Sentence: She sweet-talked me into lending her my notes.
Other ways to say: Flatter, charm.
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in romance and business slang.
Usage: Describes fake kindness for gain.
55. On the fence
Meaning: Avoid choosing a side.
Example Sentence: He’s on the fence when it comes to defending me.
Other ways to say: Indecisive, neutral.
Fun Fact/Origin: From literally sitting on a fence between two areas.
Usage: Used for people who won’t commit.
56. Fake as a three-dollar bill
Meaning: Completely fake or dishonest.
Example Sentence: His apology was as fake as a three-dollar bill.
Other ways to say: Totally fake, counterfeit.
Fun Fact/Origin: There is no $3 bill in U.S. currency.
Usage: Describes something clearly false.
57. Take the wind out of your sails
Meaning: Ruin your plans or enthusiasm.
Example Sentence: She took the wind out of my sails with her comment.
Other ways to say: Discourage, deflate.
Fun Fact/Origin: Sailing term for blocking wind from another boat’s sails.
Usage: Used for emotional letdowns.
58. Ice you out
Meaning: Purposely exclude or ignore you.
Example Sentence: They iced me out of the group after the argument.
Other ways to say: Exclude, freeze out.
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in American slang for social exclusion.
Usage: Describes being shut out of a group.
Quiz: Idioms for Fake Friends
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” means:
A) A kind person who helps everyone
B) Someone pretending to be nice but is dangerous
C) A farmer who raises sheep
2. If someone is a “fair-weather friend,” they:
A) Like to talk about the weather
B) Are only around when things are going well for you
C) Work as a TV weather reporter
3. A “snake in the grass” is:
A) A garden pest
B) A hidden danger or untrustworthy person
C) Someone who loves nature
4. “Throw you under the bus” means:
A) Accidentally hurt someone
B) Betray someone to protect yourself
C) Take the bus without paying
5. A “backstabber” is:
A) Someone who massages your back
B) A person who betrays you secretly
C) A person who plays sports
6. “Smile to your face, cut you down behind your back” means:
A) Compliment you in person but insult you when you’re gone
B) Speak loudly in public
C) Give you a haircut
7. A “Judas kiss” is:
A) A friendly greeting
B) A fake show of kindness before betrayal
C) A romantic gesture
8. If someone “talks out of both sides of their mouth,” they:
A) Speak too fast
B) Say different things to different people
C) Tell funny jokes
9. “Pull the rug out from under you” means:
A) Clean your floor
B) Suddenly take away support
C) Surprise someone with a gift
10. If a friend gives you the “cold shoulder,” they:
A) Offer you ice cream
B) Ignore you on purpose
C) Lend you a jacket
11. “Sell you out” means:
A) Betray you for personal gain
B) Sell your belongings
C) Offer you a good deal
12. “Lead you on” means:
A) Guide you to safety
B) Mislead you or give false hope
C) Invite you to an event
13. If someone “plays both sides,” they:
A) Watch two sports games at once
B) Support both sides in a conflict
C) Play two instruments
14. “Give lip service” means:
A) Speak politely
B) Pretend to agree but take no action
C) Talk too much
15. A person with a “hidden agenda” is:
A) Keeping a secret plan for selfish reasons
B) Organizing a surprise party
C) Forgetful about schedules
16. “Throw shade” means:
A) Protect someone from the sun
B) Subtly insult someone
C) Plant a tree
17. “Play dirty” means:
A) Roll in the mud
B) Act unfairly to win
C) Cheat at a game
18. “Leave you high and dry” means:
A) Leave you without help in a tough spot
B) Take you to the beach
C) Dry your clothes
19. “Friend of convenience” means:
A) A close lifelong friend
B) Someone who’s only around when they need something
C) A friend who lives nearby
20. “Hit below the belt” means:
A) Be unfair or cruel
B) Accidentally drop something
C) Lose a sports match
21. “Ghost you” means:
A) Pretend to be a ghost
B) Suddenly cut off all contact
C) Play a Halloween prank
22. “Butter you up” means:
A) Make toast for you
B) Flatter you for personal gain
C) Help you get dressed
23. “Hold something over your head” means:
A) Keep an umbrella up
B) Use something to control or threaten you
C) Protect you from rain
24. “Keep you at arm’s length” means:
A) Physically push you away
B) Avoid closeness or trust
C) Measure your height
25. “Pull the wool over your eyes” means:
A) Trick or deceive you
B) Make you a sweater
C) Cover your head with a blanket
26. “Show your true colors” means:
A) Reveal your real character
B) Wear bright clothes
C) Paint a picture
27. “Fake as a three-dollar bill” means:
A) Something clearly false or dishonest
B) A rare piece of money
C) A good investment
28. “Ice you out” means:
A) Give you a cold drink
B) Exclude or ignore you on purpose
C) Put ice on an injury
Answer Key
- B) Someone pretending to be nice but is dangerous
- B) Are only around when things are going well for you
- B) A hidden danger or untrustworthy person
- B) Betray someone to protect yourself
- B) A person who betrays you secretly
- A) Compliment you in person but insult you when you’re gone
- B) A fake show of kindness before betrayal
- B) Say different things to different people
- B) Suddenly take away support
- B) Ignore you on purpose
- A) Betray you for personal gain
- B) Mislead you or give false hope
- B) Support both sides in a conflict
- B) Pretend to agree but take no action
- A) Keeping a secret plan for selfish reasons
- B) Subtly insult someone
- C) Cheat at a game
- A) Leave you without help in a tough spot
- B) Someone who’s only around when they need something
- A) Be unfair or cruel
- B) Suddenly cut off all contact
- B) Flatter you for personal gain
- B) Use something to control or threaten you
- B) Avoid closeness or trust
- A) Trick or deceive you
- A) Reveal your real character
- A) Something clearly false or dishonest
- B) Exclude or ignore you on purpose
Wrapping Up
Fake friends can hurt more than we expect. In the USA, people use colorful idioms to describe them, making it easier to share experiences and warn others. These sayings often come from history, sports, or everyday life, but all give a clear image of betrayal or dishonesty.
By knowing these idioms, you can spot warning signs early. You’ll also be able to talk about these situations in a way Americans easily understand. Whether in school, at work, or online, these phrases help protect yourself from people who aren’t truly on your side.
