Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. They are used to convey a message or idea in a way that is more interesting, colorful, and memorable. Idioms about friendship are particularly useful because they allow us to describe the many different aspects of friendship, from loyalty and trust to companionship and support.
In this article, we will introduce you to a variety of idioms about friendship, along with helpful examples and explanations. We will cover everything from common idioms like “a friend in need is a friend indeed” to lesser-known expressions like “to have a heart-to-heart.”
Friendship Idioms
Origins
Many idioms about friendship have interesting origins. For instance, the phrase “a friend in need is a friend indeed” dates back to the 11th century. The origin of this phrase is believed to be from a Latin proverb, “Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur,” which means “a true friend is tested when in difficulty.” Another example is the idiom “birds of a feather flock together,” which has its roots in the medieval English proverb, “like will to like.” The phrase “blood is thicker than water” is believed to have originated from the proverb “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” which means that relationships formed by choice are stronger than those formed by birth.
Common Usage
Now that we know a bit about the origins of some idioms about friendship, let’s take a look at some common ones. One of the most popular idioms is “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” It means that a true friend is someone who is there to help you when you are in need or trouble. Another popular idiom is “birds of a feather flock together,” which means that people who have similar interests or characteristics tend to be friends. “Blood is thicker than water” is another common idiom that means family relationships are more important than friendships.
Other idioms about friendship include “to have friends in high places,” which means to have friends who have important or influential positions, and “to strike up a friendship,” which means to become friends with someone. Additionally, “to make friends” means to form a friendship with someone, and “to be thick as thieves” means to be very close friends who share secrets and trust each other completely.
Idioms about Friendship
There are many English idioms and expressions about friendship and relationships. Here are 10 English language idioms about friendship for English students.
Like two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar
To be as thick as thieves
Meaning: To be very close or friendly
To bury the hatchet
Meaning: To end a conflict
To clear the air
Meaning: To defuse the tension
A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who listens to your problems
Strike up a friendship
Meaning: To become friends
To see eye to eye with someone
Meaning: To agree with someone
Friends in high places
Meaning: Has friends who have important or influential positions
To know someone inside out
Meaning: To know someone very well
To build bridges
Meaning: To promote friendly relations between people or groups
Friendship Idioms Examples
What are examples of idioms on friendship?
Below are some friendship idioms examples for students.
- The twins are like two peas in a pod.
- They have been as thick as thieves for all of their lives.
- If I were you, I’d bury the hatchet.
- They held a meeting to clear the air.
- She needed a real shoulder to cry on.
- It’s easy to strike up a friendship with people you meet on holiday.
- I don’t see eye to eye with him.
- We have friends in high places, they said.
- Peter needs to try and build bridges with Lizzie.
- We know each other inside out.
Positive Idioms
- A friend in need is a friend indeed: This idiom means that a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble or in need of assistance. It emphasizes the importance of having trustworthy friends who are always there for you.
- Birds of a feather flock together: This idiom means that people with similar interests or personalities tend to hang out together. It highlights the idea that we tend to form friendships with people who are similar to us.
- Best of friends must part: This idiom means that even the closest of friends will eventually have to say goodbye. It emphasizes the bittersweet nature of friendships and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our friends.
Negative Idioms
- Fair-weather friend: This idiom refers to someone who is only your friend when things are going well for you. It highlights the idea that some people are only interested in being your friend for their own benefit.
- Friendship with oneself is all-important: This idiom means that it is important to be comfortable with yourself and to not rely too heavily on the approval or validation of others. It emphasizes the idea that true happiness comes from within.
- To stab someone in the back: This idiom means to betray someone who trusts you. It highlights the idea that some people are not to be trusted and that friendships can be fragile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some short idioms that express friendship?
Some short idioms that express friendship include “buddy up,” “hang out,” and “stick together.” These idioms are commonly used to describe spending time with friends and being loyal to them.
What are some idioms for close relationships?
Some idioms for close relationships include “thick as thieves,” “joined at the hip,” and “two peas in a pod.” These idioms are used to describe people who are very close to each other and have a strong bond.
What are some idioms for crazy friends?
Some idioms for crazy friends include “wild and crazy,” “off the wall,” and “out of control.” These idioms are used to describe friends who are unpredictable and like to have a good time.
What are some idioms about family and friendship?
Some idioms about family and friendship include “blood is thicker than water,” “family ties,” and “like one of the family.” These idioms are used to describe the strong bonds between family members and close friends.
What are some expressions of friendship in idiomatic language?
Some expressions of friendship in idiomatic language include “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” “to have someone’s back,” and “to go way back.” These expressions are used to describe the loyalty and support that friends provide for each other.
What are some idioms for togetherness in friendship?
Some idioms for togetherness in friendship include “in it together,” “united we stand,” and “all for one, one for all.” These idioms are used to describe the solidarity and cooperation that friends share when facing challenges or working towards a common goal.
Last Updated on November 9, 2023
