Friendship means more than just spending time together—it’s trust, loyalty, laughter, and sometimes even conflict.
But how do we express all those feelings in words? That’s where idioms for friendship come in. These phrases help capture the beauty, strength, and complexity of the bonds we share.
In this article, you’ll find 50 popular idioms for friendship, each one packed with emotion and real-life meaning.
Best Idioms for Friendship
1. A friend in need is a friend indeed
Meaning: True friends show up and support you during difficult times.
In a Sentence:
“When I was sick, she helped every day—a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
“He proved the saying true: a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Other Ways to Say: Loyal companion, dependable friend, there through it all
2. Through thick and thin
Meaning: To remain loyal and supportive no matter the situation.
In a Sentence:
“We’ve stuck together through thick and thin.”
“True friends are there through thick and thin, not just the good times.”
Other Ways to Say: Unwavering loyalty, stand by, no matter what
3. Have someone’s back
Meaning: To protect, support, or stand up for someone.
In a Sentence:
“Don’t worry—I’ve got your back.”
“She always has my back, no questions asked.”
Other Ways to Say: Be there for, support fully, stand behind
4. Joined at the hip
Meaning: Extremely close; always together or inseparable.
In a Sentence:
“Those two are joined at the hip—wherever you see one, the other is nearby.”
“Since childhood, they’ve been joined at the hip.”
Other Ways to Say: Inseparable pair, constant companions, always together
5. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Two people who are very alike or get along extremely well.
In a Sentence:
“She and I are like two peas in a pod—same humor, same energy.”
“They’ve always been two peas in a pod, even in school.”
Other Ways to Say: Perfect match, identical duo, like-minded friends
6. A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who offers emotional comfort and support.
In a Sentence:
“After the breakup, he was my shoulder to cry on.”
“Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on sometimes.”
Other Ways to Say: Emotional support, comforting presence, someone to lean on
7. Bosom buddy
Meaning: A deeply trusted, close friend.
In a Sentence:
“We’ve been bosom buddies since grade school.”
“She’s not just a friend—she’s my bosom buddy.”
Other Ways to Say: Best friend, intimate companion, ride-or-die
8. Thick as thieves
Meaning: Very close and always together, often with a shared secret or deep bond.
In a Sentence:
“They’re thick as thieves—always planning something together.”
“Those two? Thick as thieves since the first day of college.”
Other Ways to Say: Tight-knit duo, secret keepers, deeply bonded
9. Bestie
Meaning: A slang term for best friend—someone you’re closest to.
In a Sentence:
“She’s not just my friend—she’s my bestie.”
“Weekend plans? Always with my bestie!”
Other Ways to Say: BFF, closest friend, my person
10. Be good friends
Meaning: To have a stable and strong friendship.
In a Sentence:
“We’ve been good friends for years now.”
“Even after time apart, they’re still good friends.”
Other Ways to Say: Close companions, trusted allies, long-term friends
11. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree or understand each other clearly and naturally.
In a Sentence:
“We don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other.”
“On this issue, we finally saw eye to eye.”
Other Ways to Say: Agree fully, be in sync, understand completely
12. On the same wavelength
Meaning: To share the same thoughts, feelings, or perspectives.
In a Sentence:
“We’re always on the same wavelength—we barely need words.”
“They clicked instantly, clearly on the same wavelength.”
Other Ways to Say: Deep connection, shared mindset, mutual understanding
13. Hit it off
Meaning: To form a strong and instant connection with someone.
In a Sentence:
“We hit it off the first time we talked.”
“They hit it off at the party and have been close ever since.”
Other Ways to Say: Click right away, bond quickly, connect instantly
14. Speak the same language
Meaning: To understand and communicate with someone easily.
In a Sentence:
“Even from different backgrounds, they speak the same language emotionally.”
“I finally met someone who speaks the same language when it comes to values.”
Other Ways to Say: Relate well, emotionally aligned, in tune
15. Know someone inside out
Meaning: To understand a person deeply and completely.
In a Sentence:
“I know her inside out—she doesn’t have to say a word.”
“Only a true friend knows you inside out.”
Other Ways to Say: Deep familiarity, total understanding, fully known
Related Post: 50 Best Idioms for Anger and Frustration
16. Finish each other’s sentences
Meaning: To be so close or in sync that you think alike.
In a Sentence:
“They’re so close they finish each other’s sentences.”
“We laughed when we both said the same thing—it’s like we finish each other’s thoughts.”
Other Ways to Say: Speak as one, mirror minds, perfect understanding
17. Get along like a house on fire
Meaning: To become great friends very quickly and easily.
In a Sentence:
“They got along like a house on fire the moment they met.”
“We met on Monday and by Friday, we were getting along like a house on fire.”
Other Ways to Say: Fast friendship, instant chemistry, quick bond
18. Click with someone
Meaning: To connect with someone in a natural and immediate way.
In a Sentence:
“I clicked with her during our first conversation.”
“Sometimes, you just click with the right people.”
Other Ways to Say: Feel a spark, bond instantly, natural connection
19. A kindred spirit
Meaning: Someone who feels deeply familiar or aligned with your inner self.
In a Sentence:
“He’s not just a friend—he’s a kindred spirit.”
“We’re kindred spirits; we understand each other without speaking.”
Other Ways to Say: Soul match, spiritual twin, emotional mirror
20. Speak in unison
Meaning: To think or say things in perfect harmony.
In a Sentence:
“They spoke in unison, almost like it was rehearsed.”
“It’s funny how often we speak in unison—it just happens.”
Other Ways to Say: Same voice, synchronized minds, harmony in speech
21. Go way back
Meaning: To have known someone for a very long time.
In a Sentence:
“We go way back—since elementary school.”
“He and I go way back, long before either of us had careers.”
Other Ways to Say: Long-time friends, lifelong connection, deep-rooted friendship
22. Cross someone’s path
Meaning: To meet or encounter someone, often in a meaningful or fateful way.
In a Sentence:
“I’m so glad we crossed paths when we did.”
“You never know who might cross your path and change your life.”
Other Ways to Say: Meet by chance, fate brings together, life intersection
23. Old pal
Meaning: A long-time friend, often with a nostalgic or affectionate tone.
In a Sentence:
“Hey there, old pal! It’s been too long.”
“He’s an old pal from my college days.”
Other Ways to Say: Long-lost friend, familiar face, buddy from the past
24. Childhood friend
Meaning: A friend you grew up with during your early years.
In a Sentence:
“She’s my childhood friend—we’ve shared everything since we were five.”
“Childhood friends know a version of you no one else ever will.”
Other Ways to Say: Friend from way back, lifelong companion, early bond
25. Long-time companion
Meaning: Someone who has been a consistent friend over many years.
In a Sentence:
“He’s been a long-time companion through all seasons of life.”
“We may not talk daily, but she’s my long-time companion.”
Other Ways to Say: Steady friend, loyal through years, constant presence
26. Be lifelong friends
Meaning: To stay friends throughout one’s whole life.
In a Sentence:
“We promised to be lifelong friends, no matter where life took us.”
“Even after all the changes, they’ve remained lifelong friends.”
Other Ways to Say: Friends forever, unbroken bond, enduring friendship
27. Friends for life
Meaning: A strong declaration of a lasting and unbreakable friendship.
In a Sentence:
“After everything we’ve been through, we’re friends for life.”
“We met at 10, and we’re still friends for life.”
Other Ways to Say: Eternal friendship, forever bonded, unshakable connection
28. An old friend never forgotten
Meaning: A friend from the past who remains important or cherished.
In a Sentence:
“We lost touch, but she’s an old friend never forgotten.”
“Even after years apart, he was an old friend never forgotten.”
Other Ways to Say: Cherished memory, unforgettable friend, timeless bond
29. Grow up together
Meaning: To spend childhood and adolescence with someone, forming a lasting bond.
In a Sentence:
“We grew up together—she’s like a sister to me.”
“People you grow up with always hold a special place in your life.”
Other Ways to Say: Childhood bond, shared growing years, lifelong connection
30. Built from years of trust
Meaning: A friendship that has deepened over time and consistent loyalty.
In a Sentence:
“Our friendship was built from years of trust and shared stories.”
“Strong friendships aren’t instant—they’re built from years of trust.”
Other Ways to Say: Trust-earned bond, tested relationship, seasoned friendship
31. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: To forgive someone and let go of past conflicts.
In a Sentence:
“After years of silence, they finally buried the hatchet.”
“It was time to bury the hatchet and move forward.”
Other Ways to Say: Make peace, let it go, reconcile
32. Build bridges
Meaning: To restore trust or repair a broken relationship.
In a Sentence:
“She reached out first, trying to build bridges.”
“He’s doing his best to build bridges with old friends.”
Other Ways to Say: Reconnect, mend relationships, restore ties
33. Mend fences
Meaning: To repair a damaged relationship, often after conflict or neglect.
In a Sentence:
“They met for coffee to mend fences after the falling-out.”
“He wants to mend fences before the reunion.”
Other Ways to Say: Patch things up, heal the rift, fix what’s broken
34. Let bygones be bygones
Meaning: To forget past offenses or grudges and move forward.
In a Sentence:
“Let’s let bygones be bygones—it’s not worth staying angry.”
“They decided to let bygones be bygones and rebuild.”
Other Ways to Say: Move on, forgive and forget, leave it in the past
35. Make peace
Meaning: To resolve a conflict and restore harmony.
In a Sentence:
“They finally made peace after years of silent tension.”
“I just want to make peace with her before we go.”
Other Ways to Say: Reconcile, reach a truce, call a truce
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Excitement to Energize Your Speech
36. Come to terms
Meaning: To accept a difficult situation or make mutual understanding.
In a Sentence:
“They came to terms with what happened and started over.”
“We’ve finally come to terms and agreed to move on.”
Other Ways to Say: Reach an understanding, settle differences, find common ground
37. Patch things up
Meaning: To fix or improve a strained relationship.
In a Sentence:
“They patched things up after the big misunderstanding.”
“He called her to patch things up and clear the air.”
Other Ways to Say: Reconnect, smooth things over, work things out
38. Back on speaking terms
Meaning: To begin communicating again after a period of silence or conflict.
In a Sentence:
“We weren’t talking for months, but now we’re back on speaking terms.”
“They’re finally back on speaking terms after that argument.”
Other Ways to Say: Talking again, reconciled, in touch again
39. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Past conflicts or problems that are no longer important.
In a Sentence:
“That old fight? It’s just water under the bridge now.”
“They treated the argument as water under the bridge.”
Other Ways to Say: Forgotten issue, moved on, ancient history
40. Shake hands and move on
Meaning: To formally or symbolically end a disagreement and continue forward.
In a Sentence:
“They shook hands and moved on like nothing had happened.”
“It was time to shake hands and move on.”
Other Ways to Say: End the fight, start fresh, leave it behind
41. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: Someone who is only around during good times but disappears when things get tough.
In a Sentence:
“When I lost my job, my fair-weather friends vanished.”
“She realized he was just a fair-weather friend when she needed help.”
Other Ways to Say: Conditional friend, unreliable companion, part-time support
42. A friend at court
Meaning: Someone in a powerful or influential position who can support or help you when needed.
In a Sentence:
“Having a friend at court made the approval process easier.”
“He’s not just a colleague—he’s a friend at court when it matters.”
Other Ways to Say: Strategic ally, influential contact, helpful insider
43. Friends in high places
Meaning: Having influential or powerful friends who can offer support or open doors.
In a Sentence:
“He got the job thanks to friends in high places.”
“She always manages—she has friends in high places.”
Other Ways to Say: Powerful connections, elite network, strong allies
44. Casual acquaintance
Meaning: Someone you know slightly but aren’t close to.
In a Sentence:
“He’s more of a casual acquaintance than a real friend.”
“We chat occasionally, but we’re just casual acquaintances.”
Other Ways to Say: Distant connection, light friendship, social contact
45. Social butterfly
Meaning: A very sociable person who interacts with many people in different circles.
In a Sentence:
“She’s a real social butterfly—knows everyone in the room.”
“Being a social butterfly helps him build connections fast.”
Other Ways to Say: Extrovert, mingler, people person
46. Network buddy
Meaning: Someone you regularly interact with in professional or social networking settings.
In a Sentence:
“I only see her at events—she’s more of a network buddy.”
“He’s not a close friend, just a network buddy from LinkedIn.”
Other Ways to Say: Event acquaintance, contact person, circle connection
47. Work friend
Meaning: A friend you interact with mainly in the workplace.
In a Sentence:
“We talk a lot at the office—she’s my closest work friend.”
“Work friends make long hours much more bearable.”
Other Ways to Say: Office buddy, desk mate, colleague-friend
48. Schoolmate
Meaning: Someone you went to school with, whether close or not.
In a Sentence:
“He’s an old schoolmate from high school.”
“I reconnected with a few schoolmates at the reunion.”
Other Ways to Say: Classmate, former peer, academic acquaintance
49. Drinking buddy
Meaning: A friend you usually hang out with in social or party settings.
In a Sentence:
“He’s my drinking buddy on Friday nights.”
“They’re more like drinking buddies than close friends.”
Other Ways to Say: Bar mate, party friend, social companion
50. Close-knit group
Meaning: A small group of friends who share strong bonds and trust.
In a Sentence:
“Our team is more like a close-knit group than coworkers.”
“They’ve stayed a close-knit group since college.”
Other Ways to Say: Tight circle, bonded crew, trusted group
Exercise to Practice – Idioms for Friendship
- “No matter what happens, she’s always there for me—we’re __________.”
- “After the argument, they finally decided to __________.”
- “We’ve known each other since grade school. We __________.”
- “Even after years apart, we picked up right where we left off—we’re like __________.”
- “It was a rough patch, but we’re finally __________ again.”
- “He’s not just a coworker—he’s my closest __________.”
- “They’ve supported each other through thick and thin—they’re truly __________.”
- “We may disagree sometimes, but most of the time we __________.”
- “She and I hit it off from the moment we met—it was like we were __________.”
- “We always finish each other’s sentences—it’s like we’re on __________.”
Answers
- thick as thieves
- bury the hatchet
- childhood friends
- two peas in a pod
- back on speaking terms
- work friend
- lifelong friends
- see eye to eye
- kindred spirits
- the same wavelength
Conclusion
Friendship is one of life’s most powerful connections—and idioms for friendship give us the language to honor it. These expressions reveal how friends support us, grow with us, and stay—even when words fall short.
Each idiom in this list carries not just meaning, but memory—the kind that reminds us we’re never alone. Because behind every familiar phrase is a feeling we’ve all shared. And in that shared feeling, friendship finds its voice.
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
