Friendship is an important part of life in the USA. Friends share laughter, help each other through hard times, and celebrate happy moments together. They are the people we can count on, whether it’s for a fun game after school or a serious talk. In American conversations, there are many idioms that describe the special bond between friends. These phrases make everyday language more colorful and help express feelings in a simple way.
Idioms about friendship can show how close two people are, how they support each other, or how they enjoy spending time together. Learning these expressions can make talking about friends more fun and interesting. In this article, we will explore 45 common idioms about friendship, what they mean, and how they are used in the USA.
Idioms About Friendship
1. Through thick and thin
Meaning: To stay with someone in good times and bad.
Example Sentence:
• We’ve been friends through thick and thin since kindergarten.
• She stayed with me through thick and thin when I moved to another city.
Other ways to say: Stand by, stick with
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used since the 1300s to mean “no matter what happens.”
Usage: Used when describing a loyal friendship.
2. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Two people who are very similar and always together.
Example Sentence:
• Jake and Ben are like two peas in a pod at school.
• My sister and her best friend are two peas in a pod.
Other ways to say: Very close, inseparable
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from peas growing side-by-side inside a pod.
Usage: Used when friends are very much alike.
3. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People with similar interests often become friends.
Example Sentence:
• All the soccer players eat lunch together—birds of a feather flock together.
• My art friends hang out in the same corner of the school; birds of a feather flock together.
Other ways to say: Like attracts like, stick with your kind
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the way birds of the same type group together.
Usage: Describes friends with shared hobbies or habits.
4. Shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who listens and offers comfort.
Example Sentence:
• When I failed my test, Mia was my shoulder to cry on.
• He’s always there as a shoulder to cry on when life gets hard.
Other ways to say: Comforter, supportive friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of leaning on someone’s shoulder when upset.
Usage: Used when talking about emotional support from a friend.
5. Like family
Meaning: Treating a friend as if they were part of your family.
Example Sentence:
• My best friend is like family to me.
• They’ve treated me like family since I moved to the neighborhood.
Other ways to say: Close as family, chosen family
Fun Fact/Origin: This idea comes from how some friendships are as deep as family bonds.
Usage: Used when describing a very close friendship.
6. Have your back
Meaning: To support and protect someone.
Example Sentence:
• No matter what happens, I’ll always have your back.
• She knew her best friend would have her back during the game.
Other ways to say: Stand up for, defend
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from battle situations where someone protects another’s back from attack.
Usage: Used when friends support each other.
7. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: A friend who is only around during good times.
Example Sentence:
• He disappeared when I needed help—just a fair-weather friend.
• A fair-weather friend is not someone you can count on.
Other ways to say: Fake friend, part-time friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Linked to sailors who liked fair weather but avoided storms.
Usage: Used to describe unreliable friends.
8. Lend a hand
Meaning: To help someone.
Example Sentence:
• My best friend came to lend a hand with my school project.
• She lent a hand when I needed help moving my things.
Other ways to say: Help out, assist
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in the 1700s, referring to physically helping someone.
Usage: Used when friends give help.
9. Old friend
Meaning: Someone you have known for a long time.
Example Sentence:
• We met again after years—she’s an old friend from middle school.
• Old friends are like treasures.
Other ways to say: Longtime friend, lifelong pal
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple term that shows the value of time in friendships.
Usage: Used for friendships with a long history.
10. Hit it off
Meaning: To become friends quickly.
Example Sentence:
• We hit it off the first time we met at summer camp.
• The new student and I hit it off right away.
Other ways to say: Get along instantly, connect quickly
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally used in the 1800s to mean “agree together.”
Usage: Used when two people instantly form a good connection.
11. Joined at the hip
Meaning: Spending all your time together.
Example Sentence:
• Those two are joined at the hip—they’re always together.
• We were joined at the hip all summer long.
Other ways to say: Inseparable, always together
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from describing things that are connected very closely.
Usage: Used for friends who rarely spend time apart.
12. Make friends with
Meaning: To start a friendship.
Example Sentence:
• I made friends with my new neighbor last week.
• She made friends with everyone in class.
Other ways to say: Befriend, start a friendship
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple phrase from the 14th century meaning “to create a bond.”
Usage: Used when someone begins a new friendship.
13. Break the ice
Meaning: To start talking and make people comfortable.
Example Sentence:
• We played a game to break the ice at the party.
• He told a joke to break the ice with the new group.
Other ways to say: Start a conversation, warm up to
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ships breaking ice to create a path for others.
Usage: Used when easing into a new friendship or group.
14. Shoulder to shoulder
Meaning: Standing together in support or teamwork.
Example Sentence:
• We stood shoulder to shoulder against the bullies.
• The team worked shoulder to shoulder to win.
Other ways to say: Side by side, united
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from military formations.
Usage: Used when friends unite for a purpose.
15. Best buds
Meaning: Best friends.
Example Sentence:
• We’ve been best buds since preschool.
• My brother and his friend are best buds.
Other ways to say: Best pals, close friends
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bud” is short for “buddy,” meaning friend.
Usage: Informal way to describe close friends.
16. Build bridges
Meaning: To improve relationships.
Example Sentence:
• They built bridges after their big argument.
• Making new friends is a way to build bridges.
Other ways to say: Repair friendships, connect
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the idea of building a path to connect two places.
Usage: Used when healing or starting friendships.
17. Thick as thieves
Meaning: Very close friends.
Example Sentence:
• They’re thick as thieves and tell each other everything.
• We became thick as thieves over the summer.
Other ways to say: Very close, tight-knit
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of thieves working closely together.
Usage: Used to describe strong friendships.
18. Keep in touch
Meaning: To continue talking with someone after being apart.
Example Sentence:
• We promised to keep in touch after graduation.
• I keep in touch with my old camp friends.
Other ways to say: Stay connected, maintain contact
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in the 1800s, meaning “to stay connected.”
Usage: Used when friends remain in contact.
19. Long-lost friend
Meaning: A friend you haven’t seen for a long time.
Example Sentence:
• I met my long-lost friend at the reunion.
• Seeing my long-lost friend brought back many memories.
Other ways to say: Old friend, friend from the past
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used when friends reunite after many years.
Usage: Describes friendships that have been apart for a long time.
20. Get along like a house on fire
Meaning: To become close friends quickly.
Example Sentence:
• They got along like a house on fire after just one meeting.
• We got along like a house on fire at camp.
Other ways to say: Bond quickly, hit it off
Fun Fact/Origin: From the 1800s, meaning things happen quickly and strongly.
Usage: Used when friendships form instantly.
21. True blue friend
Meaning: A loyal and faithful friend.
Example Sentence:
• She’s a true blue friend who never lets me down.
• You can always count on a true blue friend.
Other ways to say: Loyal friend, faithful companion
Fun Fact/Origin: “True blue” comes from an old saying about cloth that never fades in color.
Usage: Used to describe someone who stays loyal.
22. Be there for someone
Meaning: To give support whenever it’s needed.
Example Sentence:
• He’s always there for me when I’m sad.
• I promised to be there for her no matter what.
Other ways to say: Support, stand by
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in American English since the 1900s.
Usage: Used when friends provide steady support.
23. Hand in glove
Meaning: To work together perfectly.
Example Sentence:
• They worked hand in glove on the science project.
• We fit hand in glove when it comes to teamwork.
Other ways to say: Work well together, perfect match
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on gloves fitting snugly on hands.
Usage: Describes close cooperation in friendships.
24. Heart-to-heart
Meaning: An honest and open conversation.
Example Sentence:
• We had a heart-to-heart about our problems.
• A heart-to-heart helped us understand each other better.
Other ways to say: Honest talk, open discussion
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to speaking from the heart with sincerity.
Usage: Used when friends share feelings openly.
25. Old pal
Meaning: A friend you have known for a long time.
Example Sentence:
• My old pal and I still meet every weekend.
• That’s my old pal from summer camp.
Other ways to say: Old friend, longtime buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pal” is slang for friend, used since the 1800s.
Usage: Informal way to refer to a longtime friend.
26. Ride or die
Meaning: A friend who stays with you no matter what.
Example Sentence:
• She’s my ride or die—always by my side.
• We’ve been ride or die since middle school.
Other ways to say: Loyal partner, unwavering friend
Fun Fact/Origin: From biker culture, meaning someone who rides with you through danger.
Usage: Describes unshakable loyalty in friendship.
27. Friendly terms
Meaning: Getting along well.
Example Sentence:
• We’re still on friendly terms even after the disagreement.
• They stayed on friendly terms after the competition.
Other ways to say: Good relationship, cordial
Fun Fact/Origin: Used since the 1600s to describe polite relations.
Usage: Describes respectful and positive friendship.
28. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: To make peace after an argument.
Example Sentence:
• We buried the hatchet and became friends again.
• They buried the hatchet after years of not speaking.
Other ways to say: Make peace, reconcile
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a Native American custom of burying weapons to show peace.
Usage: Used when friends end a fight.
29. Shoulder to lean on
Meaning: Someone who offers comfort and support.
Example Sentence:
• She’s always a shoulder to lean on during hard times.
• I was his shoulder to lean on after his loss.
Other ways to say: Supportive friend, comforter
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “shoulder to cry on,” showing emotional support.
Usage: Describes caring friendships.
30. Make amends
Meaning: To fix a mistake and restore friendship.
Example Sentence:
• I wanted to make amends after our fight.
• He made amends by apologizing sincerely.
Other ways to say: Apologize, reconcile
Fun Fact/Origin: “Amends” means to correct wrongs, used since the 1500s.
Usage: Used when repairing friendships.
31. Partners in crime
Meaning: Friends who do everything together, often in fun mischief.
Example Sentence:
• We were partners in crime during high school.
• My cousin and I are partners in crime on every trip.
Other ways to say: Mischief buddies, fun teammates
Fun Fact/Origin: Used humorously, not literally about crime.
Usage: Describes close and playful friendships.
32. Know someone inside out
Meaning: To know everything about a friend.
Example Sentence:
• I know her inside out—she’s my best friend.
• We’ve been friends so long, I know him inside out.
Other ways to say: Know completely, know well
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from knowing a person as well as knowing both sides of something.
Usage: Used when friendships are deep and familiar.
33. Stick by someone
Meaning: To remain loyal during tough times.
Example Sentence:
• True friends stick by you when things get rough.
• He stuck by me even when I was wrong.
Other ways to say: Stay loyal, stand by
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to staying physically close in support.
Usage: Describes loyalty in friendship.
34. Friendly face
Meaning: A person you recognize and feel happy to see.
Example Sentence:
• It’s nice to see a friendly face in a crowd.
• She was the only friendly face in the new school.
Other ways to say: Familiar face, welcoming person
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in English since the 1700s.
Usage: Used when seeing someone you know brings comfort.
35. Kindred spirit
Meaning: Someone who shares your values or interests deeply.
Example Sentence:
• We’re kindred spirits when it comes to music.
• She’s my kindred spirit in adventure.
Other ways to say: Soul mate (in friendship), like-minded friend
Fun Fact/Origin: “Kindred” means of the same kind; used since the 1600s.
Usage: Describes deep connections in friendship.
36. Go back a long way
Meaning: To have known someone for many years.
Example Sentence:
• We go back a long way, even before high school.
• They go back a long way to their childhood days.
Other ways to say: Known for years, old friends
Fun Fact/Origin: Figurative for a friendship with a long history.
Usage: Used for long-term friendships.
37. Stand by someone
Meaning: To remain supportive and loyal.
Example Sentence:
• She stood by me during my worst days.
• Friends stand by each other no matter what.
Other ways to say: Support, be loyal
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to standing physically close to show unity.
Usage: Describes steadfast friendship.
38. Shoulder to shoulder (friendship context)
Meaning: Supporting each other equally.
Example Sentence:
• We worked shoulder to shoulder on the fundraiser.
• Friends stand shoulder to shoulder in tough times.
Other ways to say: Side by side, together
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally from military teamwork.
Usage: Describes equal effort in friendship.
39. Cross paths
Meaning: To meet someone by chance.
Example Sentence:
• We crossed paths at the coffee shop and started talking.
• I’m glad we crossed paths years ago.
Other ways to say: Meet, run into
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from paths literally crossing.
Usage: Used for chance meetings that start friendships.
40. Heart of gold
Meaning: A very kind and generous person.
Example Sentence:
• She’s got a heart of gold and helps everyone.
• He’s a heart of gold friend who never judges.
Other ways to say: Kind soul, generous friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Gold has long been a symbol of value and purity.
Usage: Describes kindness in friendship.
41. Get on like old friends
Meaning: To feel comfortable with someone quickly.
Example Sentence:
• We got on like old friends at our first meeting.
• They met yesterday but acted like old friends.
Other ways to say: Instantly comfortable, easy connection
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on how old friends interact easily.
Usage: Used for instant bonds.
42. Be thick with someone
Meaning: To be very close friends.
Example Sentence:
• He’s thick with the guys on his team.
• We’ve been thick with each other since college.
Other ways to say: Close with, tight with
Fun Fact/Origin: “Thick” means dense, like a close-knit group.
Usage: Used for strong friendship ties.
43. Meet halfway
Meaning: To compromise in order to keep the friendship.
Example Sentence:
• We met halfway to settle our disagreement.
• Good friends meet halfway in arguments.
Other ways to say: Compromise, give and take
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from traveling equal distance to meet.
Usage: Describes balance in friendship.
44. On the same wavelength
Meaning: To think alike or understand each other easily.
Example Sentence:
• We’re on the same wavelength when it comes to humor.
• They’re always on the same wavelength in planning events.
Other ways to say: Think alike, in sync
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from radio signals matching frequency.
Usage: Used for friends who understand each other well.
45. A friend in need is a friend indeed
Meaning: A true friend is one who helps when you’re in trouble.
Example Sentence:
• He proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed when he helped me move.
• She showed that a friend in need is a friend indeed after my accident.
Other ways to say: True friend, loyal helper
Fun Fact/Origin: Proverb used for centuries to define real friendship.
Usage: Describes loyalty proven in hard times.
Quiz: Idioms About Friendship
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone will “have your back,” what does it mean?
A) They will argue with you.
B) They will support and protect you.
C) They will walk behind you.
2. What does “two peas in a pod” mean?
A) Two people who are very alike.
B) Two people who never agree.
C) Two strangers.
3. If friends are “joined at the hip,” they are:
A) Always together.
B) Living in the same house.
C) Fighting all the time.
4. What does “break the ice” mean?
A) To start a conversation and make people comfortable.
B) To go ice skating.
C) To end a friendship.
5. A “fair-weather friend” is:
A) A friend who helps in any situation.
B) A friend who is only around during good times.
C) A friend who likes the weather.
6. If you “bury the hatchet,” you:
A) End a fight and make peace.
B) Hide something.
C) Start an argument.
7. “Ride or die” means:
A) A friend who stays loyal no matter what.
B) A friend who rides bikes.
C) A short friendship.
8. What does “partners in crime” mean?
A) Friends who get in trouble together (often in fun).
B) People who work for the police.
C) Friends who like scary movies.
9. If you “keep in touch” with someone, you:
A) Stay in contact with them.
B) Avoid talking to them.
C) Move away from them.
10. “Heart-to-heart” means:
A) An open and honest talk.
B) A medical problem.
C) A fight between friends.
11. A “true blue friend” is:
A) A loyal and faithful friend.
B) A friend who wears blue clothes.
C) A new friend.
12. If two people are “on the same wavelength,” they:
A) Understand each other easily.
B) Argue often.
C) Live far apart.
13. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” means:
A) A friend is only around when they need something.
B) A real friend helps you in tough times.
C) A friend is a good neighbor.
14. If friends “meet halfway,” they:
A) Travel to the middle of the country.
B) Compromise to agree on something.
C) Only talk half the time.
15. If you “hit it off” with someone, you:
A) Disagree with them.
B) Become friends quickly.
C) Avoid them.
Answer Key
- B) They will support and protect you.
- A) Two people who are very alike.
- A) Always together.
- A) To start a conversation and make people comfortable.
- B) A friend who is only around during good times.
- A) End a fight and make peace.
- A) A friend who stays loyal no matter what.
- A) Friends who get in trouble together (often in fun).
- A) Stay in contact with them.
- A) An open and honest talk.
- A) A loyal and faithful friend.
- A) Understand each other easily.
- B) A real friend helps you in tough times.
- B) Compromise to agree on something.
- B) Become friends quickly.
Wrapping Up
Friendship idioms make conversations in the USA more colorful and fun. They help describe moments of loyalty, joy, and even challenges between friends. By learning these 45 idioms, you can speak in ways that sound more natural and relatable to Americans. Whether you’re talking about sticking together “through thick and thin” or finding a “shoulder to cry on,” these phrases show the value of friendship. Keep using them in your daily life, and you’ll connect with others more easily.
