60+ Idioms For Friendship – Friends Bond Expressions

Friendship is more than shared moments because it’s built on trust, loyalty, understanding, and standing by one another through both laughter and challenges. To express these deep connections, English uses vivid expressions known as idioms for friendship. These idioms go beyond simple words, capturing the true spirit of companionship through metaphor and shared cultural wisdom. Phrases like “thick as thieves” or “a shoulder to cry on” reflect how friends support, influence, and rely on one another.

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What are idioms for Friendship?

Idioms for friendship are figurative expressions that describe the bond, trust, loyalty, and emotional connection between friends. Instead of stating feelings directly, these idioms use imagery and metaphor to show how close, supportive, or dependable a friendship is. Commonly used in everyday speech, stories, and media, friendship idioms help convey complex emotions like loyalty in tough times, shared secrets, and mutual understanding in a simple and memorable way.

Everyday Used Idioms for Friendship

A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: A friend who gives emotional support
Example: She was a shoulder to cry on after my breakup.
Thick as thieves
Meaning: Extremely close friends
Example: They’ve been thick as thieves since childhood.
Friends through thick and thin
Meaning: Friends who stay loyal in all situations
Example: We’ve been friends through thick and thin.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Meaning: A true friend helps during difficult times
Example: He stood by me when I lost my job, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Like two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar or inseparable friends
Example: Those twins are like two peas in a pod.
Hit it off
Meaning: Become friends quickly
Example: We hit it off the moment we met.
Go way back
Meaning: Know someone for a very long time
Example: We go way back to high school.
Best of friends
Meaning: Very close friends
Example: They’re the best of friends despite living far apart.
Fair-weather friend
Meaning: A friend who is only around in good times
Example: He disappeared when things got tough, just a fair-weather friend.
Make friends
Meaning: Form new friendships
Example: She made friends easily at her new school.
Old friend
Meaning: A friend known for a long time
Example: I ran into an old friend from college.
Close-knit group
Meaning: A tightly bonded group of friends
Example: They’re a close-knit group who support each other.
On good terms
Meaning: Friendly relationship
Example: I’m still on good terms with my ex-roommate.
A social butterfly
Meaning: Someone who makes friends easily
Example: She’s a social butterfly at every party.
Trust someone with your life
Meaning: Trust someone completely
Example: I trust her with my life.
Have someone’s back
Meaning: Support and defend a friend
Example: Don’t worry! I’ve got your back.
In the same boat
Meaning: Sharing the same situation
Example: We’re all in the same boat during exams.
Get along like a house on fire
Meaning: Become friends very quickly
Example: They got along like a house on fire.
A tight bond
Meaning: Strong friendship
Example: Years of teamwork created a tight bond.
Be there for someone
Meaning: Offer support
Example: I’ll always be there for you.
Kindred spirits
Meaning: Friends with similar interests or values
Example: We’re kindred spirits who love art.
Take someone under your wing
Meaning: Mentor or protect a friend
Example: She took the new intern under her wing.
Stick together
Meaning: Stay united as friends
Example: Whatever happens, we stick together.
See eye to eye
Meaning: Agree with each other
Example: We don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other.
Run in the same circles
Meaning: Share social groups
Example: We run in the same circles at work.
Be on the same wavelength
Meaning: Think alike
Example: We’re on the same wavelength creatively.
Break the ice
Meaning: Start a friendly interaction
Example: He told a joke to break the ice.
A buddy-buddy relationship
Meaning: Casual friendship
Example: They have a buddy-buddy relationship.
Keep in touch
Meaning: Stay connected
Example: Let’s keep in touch after graduation.
Part of the gang
Meaning: Accepted into a friend group
Example: She finally feels part of the gang.
Stand by someone
Meaning: Remain loyal
Example: True friends stand by you.
A listening ear
Meaning: Someone who listens attentively
Example: Thanks for being a listening ear.
Be thick with someone
Meaning: Be very friendly
Example: She’s thick with her neighbors.
A friendly face
Meaning: Someone familiar and comforting
Example: It was nice seeing a friendly face.
A trusted confidant
Meaning: A friend you trust with secrets
Example: She’s my trusted confidant.
Make fast friends
Meaning: Become friends quickly
Example: The kids made fast friends at camp.
A bond that lasts
Meaning: Long-term friendship
Example: Their bond that lasts decades is inspiring.
A circle of friends
Meaning: Group of close friends
Example: I have a small circle of friends.
Be friendly with
Meaning: Have a pleasant relationship
Example: I’m friendly with my coworkers.
Grow closer
Meaning: Develop stronger friendship
Example: We grew closer over time.
A true companion
Meaning: Loyal friend
Example: He’s been a true companion.
Friends for life
Meaning: Lifelong friends
Example: They promised to be friends for life.
Have a soft spot for
Meaning: Feel affection for a friend
Example: I have a soft spot for her.
Go out of your way
Meaning: Make extra effort for a friend
Example: She went out of her way to help me.
A familiar face
Meaning: Someone you know well
Example: It’s comforting to see a familiar face.
Be chummy with
Meaning: Be friendly
Example: He’s chummy with everyone.
Be in good company
Meaning: Surrounded by friends
Example: You’re in good company here.
Share a bond
Meaning: Have a connection
Example: We share a bond through music.
A friendship that blossoms
Meaning: A growing friendship
Example: Their friendship blossomed at work.
Be mates with
Meaning: Be friends
Example: He’s mates with his neighbors.

Unique & Rare Idioms for Friendship

Bosom buddies
Meaning: Very close friends
Example: They’ve been bosom buddies since youth.
Joined at the hip
Meaning: Always together
Example: Those two are joined at the hip.
Fast friends
Meaning: Quickly formed friendship
Example: They became fast friends on the trip.
In someone’s corner
Meaning: Supporting a friend
Example: I’m always in your corner.
Birds of a feather
Meaning: Similar people become friends
Example: Birds of a feather flock together.
A kindred bond
Meaning: Deep emotional connection
Example: They share a kindred bond.
Sworn friends
Meaning: Loyal, lifelong friends
Example: They were sworn friends.
Two of a kind
Meaning: Very similar friends
Example: They’re two of a kind.
Hand in glove
Meaning: Close cooperation
Example: They work hand in glove.
An unbreakable bond
Meaning: Extremely strong friendship
Example: Their bond is unbreakable.

Friendship Idioms in Books & Media

You’ve got a friend in me
Meaning: Promise of loyal friendship
Example: Woody reassures Buzz with this line.
Through thick and thin (Classic literature)
Meaning: Loyal friendship
Example: Used to describe lifelong companions.
Band of brothers (War films/books)
Meaning: Strong bond formed through hardship
Example: Soldiers form a band of brothers.
Partners in crime (TV shows)
Meaning: Very close friends
Example: Detectives portrayed as partners in crime.
All for one, one for all (The Three Musketeers)
Meaning: Unity and loyalty
Example: Famous friendship motto.
Kindred spirits (Anne of Green Gables)
Meaning: Deep emotional connection
Example: Anne calls Diana her kindred spirit.
Best mates (British media)
Meaning: Best friends
Example: Common in British films.
Friends like family (Drama series)
Meaning: Friendship as strong as family
Example: Used to show emotional closeness.
Ride or die (Modern films/music)
Meaning: Extreme loyalty
Example: Used to describe unwavering friends.
A fellowship (Lord of the Rings)
Meaning: Friendship united by purpose
Example: The Fellowship represents loyalty and unity.

Synonyms & Related Words for Friendship

Synonym	Meaning
Companionship	A close relationship based on shared time and experiences.
Bond	A strong emotional connection between people.
Fellowship	Friendly association, often based on shared interests or goals.
Camaraderie	Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend time together.
Alliance	A relationship formed for mutual support or benefit.
Brotherhood / Sisterhood	A deep sense of unity and loyalty like family.
Affection	Feelings of fondness and care for someone.
Kinship	A close connection or similarity that creates friendship.
Rapport	A harmonious and understanding relationship.
Solidarity	Unity and support within a group of friends.

Unique Tips for Using Friendship Idioms in Writing & Speaking

Use friendship idioms to show emotion, not explain it
Instead of directly saying “they are close,” an idiom paints a stronger picture.
Match the idiom to the depth of the relationship
Some idioms suggest casual friendship, while others imply lifelong loyalty.
Avoid forcing idioms into formal writing
Use them naturally, friendship idioms work best in narratives, speeches, and conversations.
Combine idioms with storytelling
Friendship idioms are more impactful when placed within real-life or fictional situations.
Learn idioms in context, not isolation
Understanding when and why an idiom is used helps you sound more fluent and natural.

Idioms Quiz for Friendship

What does “thick as thieves” mean?
A) Always arguing
B) Very close friends
C) Untrustworthy people
D) Competitive friends
Answer: B
“A shoulder to cry on” refers to someone who:
A) Complains a lot
B) Offers emotional support
C) Avoids problems
D) Gives advice only
Answer: B
Which idiom means loyal friendship during hard times?
A) Fair-weather friend
B) Through thick and thin
C) Break the ice
D) In the same boat
Answer: B
What does “birds of a feather” suggest?
A) Friends travel together
B) Similar people become friends
C) Friends compete
D) Friends argue often
Answer: B
A “fair-weather friend” is someone who:
A) Is always supportive
B) Only stays in good times
C) Lives nearby
D) Gives honest advice
Answer: B
If two people “hit it off,” they:
A) Disagree strongly
B) Become friends quickly
C) Stop talking
D) Argue politely
Answer: B
What does “have someone’s back” mean?
A) Ignore them
B) Support and protect them
C) Compete with them
D) Correct them
Answer: B
“Friends for life” describes:
A) Short friendships
B) Workplace friends
C) Lifelong bonds
D) Temporary connections
Answer: C
“Joined at the hip” means friends are:
A) Always arguing
B) Very independent
C) Always together
D) Recently met
Answer: C
“A friend in need is a friend indeed” teaches that:
A) Friends are expensive
B) Friendship requires money
C) True friends help in hard times
D) Friends must always agree
Answer: C

FAQs

Idioms for friendship are figurative expressions that describe closeness, trust, loyalty, and emotional bonds between friends.

They help express emotions and relationships naturally and reflect cultural values around companionship.

Yes, many friendship idioms are commonly used in everyday speech, stories, and media.

Some idioms are informal, but others can be used in essays, speeches, and creative writing when appropriate.

Popular examples include “a friend in need is a friend indeed” and “thick as thieves.”

Yes, they are beginner-friendly and help learners understand cultural and emotional aspects of English.

Conclusion

Idioms for friendship beautifully capture the depth, warmth, and complexity of human relationships. These expressions go beyond literal language to reflect trust, loyalty, emotional support, and shared experiences. From everyday conversations to books and media, friendship idioms help us express bonds that words alone often struggle to define. By understanding and using these idioms correctly, you can enrich your vocabulary, sound more natural in English, and communicate relationships in a more meaningful and relatable way.