Friendship, a fundamental facet of the human experience, has been celebrated, cherished, and sometimes even challenged throughout history. Its multifaceted nature has sparked myriad expressions, stories, and notably, idioms that colorfully capture the essence of camaraderie. Idioms, as linguistic gems, offer windows into the deeper currents of thought, cultural values, and collective wisdom. This article dives deep into the realm of “Friendship Idioms,” showcasing the linguistic tapestry that paints a vivid picture of interpersonal bonds.
From “fair-weather friends” to “friends in high places”, these idioms provide delightful detours into the dynamics, depth, and sometimes, the dilemmas of friendships. Designed for linguists, sociologists, and anyone with an interest in the beautiful interplay of language and human relationships, this exploration promises to be both enlightening and endearing. Journey with us as we unravel the tales and truths behind these idiomatic expressions, shedding light on the intricate interplay of words and the world of friendships.
15 English Language Idioms About Friendship
Friendship, an integral part of the human experience, has long been celebrated, discussed, and pondered over. Throughout history, it has been a muse for many great thinkers, artists, and writers. Just as with any profound aspect of life, friendship has found its expression in the tapestry of language, especially in idioms. English, being a rich and diverse language, is replete with idioms that encapsulate the essence, trials, and joys of friendship. Let’s dive deep into the heart of the language to explore and understand these idiomatic gems.
- Thick as Thieves
- Meaning: Being very close friends and sharing secrets with each other.
- Example: “Lucy and Sarah are as thick as thieves, always whispering and giggling together.”
- Fair-weather Friend
- Meaning: A friend who is only around when everything is going well but disappears during hard times.
- Example: “When I lost my job, I realized who my real friends were and who were just fair-weather friends.”
- To Know Someone Inside Out
- Meaning: To know someone extremely well, including their secrets and the way they think.
- Example: “They’ve been best friends since kindergarten; they know each other inside out.”
- Shoulder to Cry On
- Meaning: Someone who listens sympathetically to one’s problems.
- Example: “After the breakup, Anna was there as a shoulder to cry on.”
- To Hit It Off
- Meaning: To quickly become good friends with someone.
- Example: “I introduced Brian to Jake, and they hit it off immediately.”
- To See Eye to Eye
- Meaning: To agree on something or have the same opinion as someone else.
- Example: “Though they are best friends, they don’t always see eye to eye on politics.”
- Joined at the Hip
- Meaning: Two people who are always together.
- Example: “Ever since college, they’ve been joined at the hip.”
- Bury the Hatchet
- Meaning: To make peace or resolve a disagreement with someone.
- Example: “After years of rivalry, the two old friends decided to bury the hatchet.”
- Break Bread Together
- Meaning: To share a meal with someone, indicating closeness or friendship.
- Example: “There’s nothing like breaking bread together to strengthen a bond.”
- Through Thick and Thin
- Meaning: Sticking with someone in good times and bad.
- Example: “True friends are with you through thick and thin.”
- Birds of a Feather Flock Together
- Meaning: People with similar tastes, interests, and backgrounds tend to stick together.
- Example: “It’s no wonder they get along so well; birds of a feather flock together.”
- Keep in Touch
- Meaning: To continue to communicate with someone.
- Example: “Even after moving to different countries, they always made the effort to keep in touch.”
- On the Same Wavelength
- Meaning: To think in a similar way and understand each other well.
- Example: “Whenever we discuss our future plans, it’s clear we are on the same wavelength.”
- Cross Someone’s Path
- Meaning: To meet someone by chance.
- Example: “I never would’ve met my best friend if I hadn’t crossed her path at that conference.”
- To Be Like Peas in a Pod
- Meaning: Two people who are very similar, especially in appearance.
- Example: “My best friend and I think alike, dress similarly, and even have the same habits. We’re like peas in a pod.”
List of 34 English Idioms of Friendship
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed | This means that a friend who helps you when you really need help is a true friend |
| A Shoulder To Cry On | someone who is willing to listen to your problems and give you sympathy, emotional support, and encouragement |
| As Thick As Thieves | to be very close friends and share secrets |
| At Odds With Someone | in disagreement |
| Be An Item | If two people are an item, they are having a romantic relationship |
| Be As Thick As Thieves | to be very close friends and share secrets |
| Birds Of A Feather | people who are similar in character |
| Birds Of A Feather Flock Together | said about people who have similar characters or interests, especially ones of which you disapprove, and who often spend time with each other |
| Bosom Friends | a friend that you like a lot and have a very close relationship with |
| Build Bridges | to improve relationships between people who are very different or do not like each other |
| Bury The Hatchet | to stop an argument and become friends again |
| Clear The Air | to make the air cooler, fresher, and more comfortable |
| Cross Someone’S Path | to meet someone, especially by chance |
| Friends In High Places | to know important people who can help you get what you want |
| Get On Like A House On Fire | If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly |
| Have A Whale Of A Time | to enjoy yourself very much |
| Have Your Back | to be ready to protect or defend someone |
| Hit It Off | to be friendly with each other immediately |
| Joined At The Hip | used to describe two people who are often or usually together |
| Keep In Touch | to continue to talk to or write to someone |
| Like A House On Fire | If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly |
| Like Two Peas In A Pod | very similar, especially in appearance |
| Look Out For You | to try to notice someone or something |
| Make Friends | to become someone’s friend |
| Man’S Best Friend | a dog |
| On The Same Page | agreeing about something (such as how things should be done) |
| On With Someone | equal or similar to someone or something |
| Peas In A Pod | very similar, especially in appearance |
| Same Wavelength | thinking in the same way as someone else |
| See Eye To Eye With Someone | If two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other |
| Speak The Same Language | to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing them |
| Strange Bedfellows | one who shares a bed with another |
| Through Thick And Thin | If you support or stay with someone through thick and thin, you always support or stay with him or her , even if there are problems or difficulties |
| Two Peas In A Pod | very similar, especially in appearance |
In Conclusion
The English language, with its intricate weave of idiomatic expressions, provides a myriad of ways to describe the nuances of friendship. From the depth of connection to the challenges of disagreements, these idioms paint a vivid picture of the ties that bind people together. Embracing these expressions not only enriches our language but also offers a deeper understanding of the diverse and profound nature of human relationships. As we navigate through life, it’s these idioms that often echo our feelings, capturing the essence of our bonds in beautifully crafted phrases. So, the next time you think of that special friend, maybe one of these idioms will spring to mind, encapsulating the essence of your bond!
