In the United States, people love using fun and clever phrases in daily talk. One of those phrases is “partner in crime.” It doesn’t mean someone is actually breaking the law. Instead, it’s a playful way to describe a close friend or someone you do everything with. Whether it’s sneaking snacks at midnight, sharing a big secret, or pulling a harmless prank, this kind of friend is always by your side.
Idioms about a “partner in crime” are common in American speech. These idioms help describe strong bonds between friends or teammates. They make stories sound more fun and give everyday moments a little extra color. In this article, you’ll learn 38 idioms that people in the USA use when they talk about their closest buddies. Let’s look at what they mean and how they’re used in real life.
Idioms for Partner in Crime
1. Partner in Crime
Meaning: A very close friend who shares in your plans or mischief.
Example Sentence:
• Sarah is my partner in crime—we always bake cookies when mom’s not home.
• Jake and I are partners in crime at every school event.
Other ways to say: Best buddy, sidekick
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from old crime stories but is now used for fun friendships.
Usage: Used when talking about someone who always joins you in adventures.
2. Thick as Thieves
Meaning: Very close and loyal friends.
Example Sentence:
• Emma and Ava are thick as thieves—they do everything together.
• Those two boys are thick as thieves at recess.
Other ways to say: Inseparable, close pals
Fun Fact/Origin: It means friends who keep secrets, like thieves would.
Usage: Used for friendships where people trust each other a lot.
3. Joined at the Hip
Meaning: Always together, very close friends.
Example Sentence:
• Mike and Tim are joined at the hip—they even sit together at lunch.
• My twin cousins are joined at the hip.
Other ways to say: Always together, best friends
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of two people being stuck side-by-side.
Usage: Used when two people are rarely seen apart.
4. Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Meaning: People who are alike tend to stick together.
Example Sentence:
• All the skaters hang out—birds of a feather flock together.
• The science club kids are birds of a feather.
Other ways to say: Like attracts like, similar people stick together
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on how birds of the same kind stay in groups.
Usage: Used when people with common interests form tight groups.
5. Two Peas in a Pod
Meaning: Two people who are very alike or very close.
Example Sentence:
• Lily and Lucy are like two peas in a pod.
• You and your brother are like two peas in a pod.
Other ways to say: Perfect pair, very close
Fun Fact/Origin: Peas in a pod grow close together, just like close friends.
Usage: Used for people who get along really well.
6. Hand in Glove
Meaning: Working or getting along perfectly with someone.
Example Sentence:
• They work hand in glove on every school project.
• Coach and the team captain are hand in glove.
Other ways to say: In sync, match perfectly
Fun Fact/Origin: Gloves fit hands perfectly—just like a perfect match.
Usage: Used when two people make a great team.
7. Sidekick
Meaning: A loyal helper or friend, often second to the leader.
Example Sentence:
• Batman had Robin as his sidekick.
• I’m the sidekick when we plan birthday surprises.
Other ways to say: Assistant, buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized in comic books and TV shows.
Usage: Used for someone who supports and sticks with a friend.
8. Ride or Die
Meaning: Someone who sticks with you no matter what.
Example Sentence:
• She’s my ride or die—we face everything together.
• My cousin is my ride or die during hard times.
Other ways to say: Loyal friend, forever buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from car culture, meaning someone who stays through thick and thin.
Usage: Used when talking about strong, loyal friendships.
9. In Cahoots
Meaning: Secretly working together, often on a sneaky plan.
Example Sentence:
• They were in cahoots to surprise their teacher.
• My brother and I were in cahoots to sneak cookies.
Other ways to say: Working together secretly, in on something
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old American slang meaning partnership.
Usage: Used for friends planning something together, often playful or sneaky.
10. Joined Forces
Meaning: To team up with someone to do something together.
Example Sentence:
• We joined forces to win the school science fair.
• The two clubs joined forces to plan the dance.
Other ways to say: Teamed up, united
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the military where troops unite.
Usage: Used when people work together for one goal.
11. Get Along Like a House on Fire
Meaning: Become close friends very quickly.
Example Sentence:
• The new student and I got along like a house on fire.
• They met at summer camp and clicked right away.
Other ways to say: Hit it off, instant connection
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase shows how fast something can grow, like fire.
Usage: Used when people become fast friends.
12. Thick as Peanut Butter
Meaning: Very close and hard to separate.
Example Sentence:
• We’re thick as peanut butter—we do everything together.
• My cousins are thick as peanut butter on toast.
Other ways to say: Super close, stuck together
Fun Fact/Origin: Peanut butter is sticky and hard to pull apart.
Usage: Used for friendships that are very strong.
13. My Go-To Person
Meaning: Someone you rely on for help or advice.
Example Sentence:
• Mom is my go-to person when I’m confused.
• Sam is my go-to person for group projects.
Other ways to say: Trusted friend, main helper
Fun Fact/Origin: “Go-to” means someone you always turn to.
Usage: Used for dependable friends.
14. My Other Half
Meaning: A person who feels like part of you.
Example Sentence:
• My best friend is my other half—we think alike.
• He calls his sister his other half because they’re so close.
Other ways to say: Soulmate, perfect match
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used for close romantic or best-friend pairs.
Usage: Used when someone feels incomplete without the other.
15. The Dynamic Duo
Meaning: A powerful pair that works great together.
Example Sentence:
• The twins are the dynamic duo in dodgeball.
• My friend and I are the dynamic duo in spelling bees.
Other ways to say: Great team, strong pair
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from Batman and Robin’s nickname.
Usage: Used for pairs that work well together.
16. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Meaning: Two people who are perfect together.
Example Sentence:
• We’re like peanut butter and jelly—can’t have one without the other.
• Those two friends are just like PB&J.
Other ways to say: Perfect pair, match made in heaven
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the popular American sandwich combo.
Usage: Used for people who go together naturally.
17. Partner on Patrol
Meaning: A trusted teammate during any task.
Example Sentence:
• My sister is my partner on patrol when we clean the house.
• I always pick Jake as my partner on patrol at school events.
Other ways to say: Team buddy, helper
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from police work, where partners patrol together.
Usage: Used for someone who is always helping or working with you.
18. Bestie
Meaning: Your best and closest friend.
Example Sentence:
• My bestie knows all my secrets.
• I’m going to the game with my bestie.
Other ways to say: BFF, close friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Short for “best friend.”
Usage: Common in the USA for kids and teens.
19. Homie
Meaning: A close friend from your neighborhood.
Example Sentence:
• My homie and I ride bikes after school.
• That’s my homie from summer camp.
Other ways to say: Bro, buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the word “homeboy,” used in urban slang.
Usage: Used for friends with a strong local bond.
20. Wingman
Meaning: A friend who supports you, especially in social settings.
Example Sentence:
• I brought my wingman to the school dance.
• He’s always my wingman during class projects.
Other ways to say: Backup, supporter
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in the Air Force to describe a flying partner.
Usage: Used for someone who helps you feel confident.
21. Crew
Meaning: A group of close friends.
Example Sentence:
• I’m hanging with my crew this weekend.
• Our crew always sits at the same lunch table.
Other ways to say: Gang, squad
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally used for ship or work teams.
Usage: Used for close friend groups.
22. Ride Together, Die Together
Meaning: Extremely loyal friends, no matter what happens.
Example Sentence:
• We ride together, die together—we’re always there for each other.
• My best friend and I live by that saying.
Other ways to say: Loyal for life, always together
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular from action movies.
Usage: Used to show deep friendship loyalty.
23. Thick as Mud
Meaning: Hard to separate because of strong friendship.
Example Sentence:
• We’ve been thick as mud since kindergarten.
• My sister and I are thick as mud.
Other ways to say: Unbreakable bond, super close
Fun Fact/Origin: Thick mud is hard to pull apart—just like close friends.
Usage: Used for strong, lifelong friendships.
24. Tag Team
Meaning: Two people who take turns helping each other.
Example Sentence:
• We’re a tag team during homework time.
• Mom and I tag team cleaning the house.
Other ways to say: Switch off, take turns
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from wrestling, where teammates take turns.
Usage: Used for people who work well in shifts.
25. Brother from Another Mother
Meaning: A friend who feels like family.
Example Sentence:
• He’s my brother from another mother—we do everything together.
• My best friend is like a brother from another mother.
Other ways to say: Chosen family, soul brother
Fun Fact/Origin: American slang to describe strong friendship like family.
Usage: Used for friends who are as close as brothers.
26. My Day-One
Meaning: A friend who has been with you from the start.
Example Sentence:
• He’s my day-one—we’ve been friends since preschool.
• I always count on my day-one when I’m in trouble.
Other ways to say: Longtime friend, true buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Day-one” means from the very beginning.
Usage: Used for friendships that go back many years.
27. Joined at the Soul
Meaning: Deep emotional connection with someone.
Example Sentence:
• My best friend and I are joined at the soul.
• They’re more than friends—they’re joined at the soul.
Other ways to say: Deep bond, soul friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by the idea of soulmates but for friends.
Usage: Used for very deep, emotional friendships.
28. My Right Hand
Meaning: A helper you fully trust and rely on.
Example Sentence:
• My right hand always helps me with homework.
• She’s my right hand during group projects.
Other ways to say: Most trusted helper, key supporter
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from saying “right-hand man” in old jobs.
Usage: Used for someone who always helps out.
29. My Main Person
Meaning: The most important friend in your life.
Example Sentence:
• My sister is my main person—I go to her for everything.
• You’re my main person when I need a laugh.
Other ways to say: Best friend, closest buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Main” means the top or most important one.
Usage: Used for best friends you trust most.
30. Squad Goals
Meaning: A close group of friends who stick together.
Example Sentence:
• Our squad goals include Friday night movies.
• Everyone says our squad goals are strong.
Other ways to say: Dream team, friend group
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular on social media to show cool friend groups.
Usage: Used to talk about how close your friend group is.
31. A Package Deal
Meaning: Two friends who always come together.
Example Sentence:
• Invite one of us, you get both—we’re a package deal.
• The twins are a package deal at every event.
Other ways to say: Always together, go as a pair
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in sales, now common for close friends.
Usage: Used for pairs that never separate.
32. Secret Keeper
Meaning: A friend you trust with private things.
Example Sentence:
• My secret keeper knows everything about me.
• She’s my go-to secret keeper.
Other ways to say: Trusted friend, close buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: Keeping secrets builds trust in friendships.
Usage: Used for loyal friends who never tell your secrets.
33. Always in My Corner
Meaning: A friend who always supports you.
Example Sentence:
• She’s always in my corner, cheering me on.
• I know he’s in my corner, no matter what.
Other ways to say: Supportive friend, loyal helper
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from boxing—your trainer stays in your corner.
Usage: Used for people who support you all the time.
34. My Ride or Skate
Meaning: A fun version of ride-or-die for younger kids.
Example Sentence:
• My ride or skate friend and I go everywhere.
• He’s my ride or skate on the school bus.
Other ways to say: Best pal, fun buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by skating or biking friends.
Usage: Used for fun, loyal friendships among kids.
35. Best Friend Forever (BFF)
Meaning: A forever friend.
Example Sentence:
• She’s my BFF—we’ve been friends since 2nd grade.
• We wrote BFF on all our school notebooks.
Other ways to say: Forever friend, lifelong buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: BFF became super popular in the USA in the 1990s.
Usage: Used for strong childhood friendships.
36. My Person
Meaning: The one friend you trust the most.
Example Sentence:
• You’re my person—I tell you everything.
• Everyone needs a person like you.
Other ways to say: Trusted friend, most important buddy
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became popular from TV shows.
Usage: Used to describe the friend who understands you best.
37. Double Trouble
Meaning: A pair of friends known for causing playful chaos.
Example Sentence:
• The twins are double trouble in the lunchroom.
• My best friend and I are known as double trouble.
Other ways to say: Mischief pair, playful team
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to describe fun, wild duos.
Usage: Used when two friends are always up to something together.
38. My Partner on the Playground
Meaning: A friend who plays with you and has your back.
Example Sentence:
• She’s my partner on the playground—we swing and slide together.
• My partner on the playground always shares her snacks.
Other ways to say: Play buddy, school friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on elementary school friendships.
Usage: Used by kids to describe their closest playmate.
Quiz: Idioms for Partner in Crime
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. Each one tests how well you understand idioms used to describe close friendships.
Question Key
1. What does “partner in crime” mean?
a) A person who breaks the law
b) A close friend who does fun things with you
c) A police officer
2. What does it mean if two friends are “joined at the hip”?
a) They fight a lot
b) They are rarely seen apart
c) They sit far away in class
3. What does “thick as thieves” mean?
a) Friends who steal
b) Very close friends who trust each other
c) Friends who argue
4. If someone is your “ride or die,” what are they?
a) A person you just met
b) A friend who sticks with you no matter what
c) A neighbor
5. What does “in cahoots” mean?
a) Fighting in school
b) Secretly working together
c) Playing video games
6. What is a “sidekick”?
a) A person who tells jokes
b) A friend who helps and supports you
c) A class leader
7. If someone is your “right hand,” what does that mean?
a) They write neatly
b) They help and support you in everything
c) They are taller than you
8. What does “my other half” mean?
a) A person you dislike
b) A person who acts like you
c) A person who completes your life
9. What does “peanut butter and jelly” mean for friendships?
a) Friends who always fight
b) Friends who go perfectly together
c) Friends who eat lunch together
10. What is meant by “double trouble”?
a) Two friends who always cause fun mischief
b) Two people who never speak
c) Two people who run races
11. If someone is “my person,” what does it mean?
a) You don’t like them
b) They are your favorite stuffed animal
c) They are the friend you trust the most
12. What does “tag team” mean?
a) You play tag outside
b) You and a friend take turns doing tasks
c) You both dress the same
13. What does “secret keeper” mean?
a) Someone who hides snacks
b) A person who knows all your secrets and keeps them
c) A teacher who surprises students
Answer Key
- b) A close friend who does fun things with you
- b) They are rarely seen apart
- b) Very close friends who trust each other
- b) A friend who sticks with you no matter what
- b) Secretly working together
- b) A friend who helps and supports you
- b) They help and support you in everything
- c) A person who completes your life
- b) Friends who go perfectly together
- a) Two friends who always cause fun mischief
- c) They are the friend you trust the most
- b) You and a friend take turns doing tasks
- b) A person who knows all your secrets and keeps them
Wrapping Up
Idioms make everyday talk more fun, especially when talking about close friends. In the USA, phrases like “partner in crime” or “joined at the hip” are used by kids and adults to describe their best buddies. These sayings are easy to learn and fun to use in stories, chats, and even texts.
If you ever feel someone is your go-to pal, your ride or die, or your BFF, now you know the perfect idiom to use. These fun phrases help us show how much we care about our closest friends.
