60 Idioms for Friendship

Idioms are fun phrases where the words together mean something totally different from what they say one by one. People use them to make talking and writing more colorful, exciting, and full of life. Today, you are going to learn a bunch of helpful idioms that all have to do with friendship and getting along with others.

In this lesson, we’ll look at Idioms that mean being close friends and supporting each other. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Friendship

1. Thick as thieves

Meaning: Being extremely close friends who share secrets and stick together.

For Example: The two best friends were as thick as thieves and did everything side by side. / After meeting at summer camp, they became as thick as thieves.

Other Ways to Say: Very close / Inseparable friends

2. Best foot forward

Meaning: Putting your best effort into being kind and making a great impression.

For Example: When meeting new classmates, always put your best foot forward. / She put her best foot forward to show she wanted to be a good friend.

Other Ways to Say: Try your best / Be polite

3. A shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Someone who listens to your problems and comforts you when you are sad.

For Example: When my pet goldfish passed away, my friend was a wonderful shoulder to cry on. / It helps to have a trusted shoulder to cry on when things get tough.

Other Ways to Say: Supportive friend / Good listener

4. Through thick and thin

Meaning: Staying loyal and helping each other through both good and bad times.

For Example: True friends stick together through thick and thin. / Our soccer team remained supportive through thick and thin all season.

Other Ways to Say: Always loyal / Through everything

5. Two peas in a pod

Meaning: Two people who look, act, or think very much alike and are great friends.

For Example: The twins are like two peas in a pod because they love the same books. / My dog and I are like two peas in a pod when we nap in the sun.

Other Ways to Say: Very similar / Identical match

6. Birds of a feather

Meaning: People who have similar interests, habits, or personalities and stick together.

For Example: Since both girls love drawing fantasy art, they are truly birds of a feather. / The science club members were birds of a feather who loved building robots.

Other Ways to Say: Similar people / Like-minded folks

7. Hit it off

Meaning: To like each other immediately and become instant friends.

For Example: We met at the playground swings and hit it off right away. / The new student and I hit it off while sharing markers in art class.

Other Ways to Say: Get along instantly / Bond quickly

8. Get along swimmingly

Meaning: To have a wonderful and friendly relationship without any arguments.

For Example: The puppies got along swimmingly during their first playdate in the yard. / All the kids in our group project got along swimmingly.

Other Ways to Say: Cooperate well / Flourish together

9. Share the wealth

Meaning: To share what you have with your friends so everyone is happy.

For Example: When I brought a bag of gummy candy, I made sure to share the wealth. / Sharing your art supplies with classmates is a great way to share the wealth.

Other Ways to Say: Be generous / Distribute fairly

10. Stick up for someone

Meaning: To defend and support a friend when someone is being mean to them.

For Example: It is important to stick up for your classmates on the playground. / My big brother always sticks up for me when kids tease my drawings.

Other Ways to Say: Defend someone / Support fiercely

11. Have someone’s back

Meaning: To protect and support a friend whenever they need help.

For Example: Best friends always have your back no matter what happens. / Don’t worry about the tricky spelling test because I have your back.

Other Ways to Say: Support someone / Guard safely

12. Lean on someone

Meaning: To depend on a trusted friend for help, advice, or comfort.

For Example: When I felt nervous about my speech, I could lean on my best friend. / You can always lean on your family when you feel overwhelmed.

Other Ways to Say: Depend upon / Trust someone

13. See eye to eye

Meaning: To agree completely with someone on an idea or plan.

For Example: My sister and I do not always see eye to eye on which movie to watch. / We finally saw eye to eye on how to build our science model.

Other Ways to Say: Agree fully / Share the view

14. On the same page

Meaning: Understanding each other and sharing the same plan or thoughts.

For Example: Let us talk through the project rules so we are all on the same page. / The soccer team was on the same page about our winning strategy.

Other Ways to Say: Agreeing / Harmonized

15. Bury the hatchet

Meaning: To forgive past arguments and become friendly again.

For Example: After our silly disagreement over the board game, we decided to bury the hatchet. / It is wonderful to bury the hatchet and play together again.

Other Ways to Say: Make peace / Stop fighting

16. Let bygones be bygones

Meaning: To forget past quarrels and restart a friendly relationship.

For Example: We shook hands after soccer and agreed to let bygones be bygones. / Friends should let bygones be bygones and enjoy the sunny day.

Other Ways to Say: Forgive and forget / Move on

17. Clear the air

Meaning: To talk honestly about a problem so friendship feels light and happy again.

For Example: They sat down on the bench to clear the air about the missing crayons. / Clearing the air makes everyone feel much better and closer.

Other Ways to Say: Talk it out / Resolve tension

18. Patch things up

Meaning: To fix a broken friendship and make peace after a fight.

For Example: The two friends worked hard to patch things up after their argument. / It feels amazing when you patch things up with your sibling.

Other Ways to Say: Mend fences / Fix relations

19. Mend fences

Meaning: To repair a damaged relationship with someone you care about.

For Example: He tried to mend fences by bringing a handmade card to his neighbor. / Taking time to listen helps friends mend fences quickly.

Other Ways to Say: Patch things up / Restore peace

20. Roll out the red carpet

Meaning: To treat a friend or guest with very special honor and warmth.

For Example: When our out-of-town cousin visited, we rolled out the red carpet. / The club rolled out the red carpet to welcome the new students.

Other Ways to Say: Welcome warmly / Celebrate someone

21. Open your arms

Meaning: To welcome someone kindly and accept them as a friend.

For Example: The classroom opened their arms to welcome the new transfer student. / Always open your arms to someone who wants to join your game.

Other Ways to Say: Welcome / Embrace

22. Give a warm welcome

Meaning: To greet someone kindly and make them feel happy and included.

For Example: We gave the guest speaker a warm welcome with loud applause. / Making new kids feel special starts with a warm welcome.

Other Ways to Say: Greet kindly / Welcome happily

23. Show someone the ropes

Meaning: To teach a new friend how to do things in a new place.

For Example: The older kids showed the fourth graders the ropes of the school library. / I was happy to show my new neighbor the ropes of our street.

Other Ways to Say: Guide someone / Teach basics

24. Take someone under your wing

Meaning: To protect, guide, and help a newer or younger friend.

For Example: The kind fifth grader took the new student under his wing at recess. / My older sister took me under her wing when I learned to skate.

Other Ways to Say: Guide / Mentor someone

25. Show up for someone

Meaning: To be there to support a friend when they need you most.

For Example: True friends always show up for your birthday and your games. / You can count on her to show up for you during hard times.

Other Ways to Say: Be there / Support actively

26. Stand by someone

Meaning: To remain loyal and support a friend through good and bad times.

For Example: I promised to stand by my best friend during the school science fair. / Good pals always stand by each other on the playground.

Other Ways to Say: Support loyally / Stick with

27. Be in someone’s corner

Meaning: To support and cheer for a friend during challenges or contests.

For Example: Whenever you feel nervous about a test, remember I am in your corner. / Having someone in your corner makes big challenges much easier.

Other Ways to Say: Support / Cheer for

28. Cheer someone on

Meaning: To shout words of encouragement to support a friend playing a game.

For Example: We stood by the fence to cheer our classmates on during the race. / It feels wonderful when your friends cheer you on from the sidelines.

Other Ways to Say: Encourage / Support

29. Lend a hand

Meaning: To help a friend with a task or a difficult chore.

For Example: Can you lend a hand carrying these heavy art supplies to the desk? / Whenever my neighbor needs help, I am happy to lend a hand.

Other Ways to Say: Help out / Assist

30. Pull your weight

Meaning: To do your fair share of work in a friendship or team project.

For Example: Everyone in our group needs to pull their weight for the poster. / Being a good partner means pulling your weight every day.

Other Ways to Say: Do your share / Help equally

31. Go the extra mile

Meaning: To do more than what is expected to help a friend.

For Example: She went the extra mile to help me study for the spelling test. / A true friend will always go the extra mile when you are sad.

Other Ways to Say: Do extra / Try harder

32. Share the load

Meaning: To help a friend carry a heavy burden or share hard work.

For Example: Carrying these boxes is easier when we share the load together. / Good friends share the load during classroom cleanup time.

Other Ways to Say: Help out / Divide work

33. Meet someone halfway

Meaning: To compromise with a friend so both people are happy.

For Example: We could not agree on a game, so we decided to meet halfway and play tag. / Compromising means being willing to meet your friend halfway.

Other Ways to Say: Compromise / Agree together

34. Speak the same language

Meaning: To understand each other easily because you share similar thoughts.

For Example: Because we both love reading fantasy books, we really speak the same language. / Friends who share hobbies often feel like they speak the same language.

Other Ways to Say: Understand each other / Connect well

35. Click with someone

Meaning: To connect instantly and enjoy each other’s company.

For Example: I knew we would click the moment we started talking about puppies. / It is great when you click with someone in a brand new class.

Other Ways to Say: Connect / Get along

36. Get along like a house on fire

Meaning: To become friends and enjoy each other’s company very quickly.

For Example: The two new kittens got along like a house on fire. / My cousin and I got along like a house on fire during our visit.

Other Ways to Say: Bond fast / Enjoy company

37. Share a bond

Meaning: To have a special connection that brings two friends close together.

For Example: Saving the stray kitten helped us share a lifelong bond. / Best friends share a bond built on trust and kindness.

Other Ways to Say: Special connection / Close link

38. Keep in touch

Meaning: To stay connected with a friend through messages or visits.

For Example: Even though we moved to different schools, we promised to keep in touch. / Writing letters is a fun way to keep in touch over summer.

Other Ways to Say: Stay connected / Write often

39. Stay close

Meaning: To maintain a strong and loving friendship over time.

For Example: Even after growing up, the childhood neighbors managed to stay close. / Sharing secrets helps friends stay close through the years.

Other Ways to Say: Remain close / Stay connected

40. Ring true

Meaning: When a friend’s words or loyalty feel honest and dependable.

For Example: Her promise to help me with my project rang true right away. / A sincere apology always rings true to your friends.

Other Ways to Say: Sound honest / Feel real

41. Fair-weather friend

Meaning: Someone who is only your friend when things are easy and fun.

For Example: You can tell he is just a fair-weather friend because he leaves when you need help. / A true pal stays with you, unlike a fair-weather friend.

Other Ways to Say: Untrustworthy friend / Temporary buddy

42. Thick and thin buddy

Meaning: A dependable friend who stays loyal through all life events.

For Example: My desymate is my thick and thin buddy at school. / Having a reliable thick and thin buddy makes everything fun.

Other Ways to Say: Loyal pal / Best friend

43. Bosom buddy

Meaning: An old-fashioned, lovely term for your absolute closest friend.

For Example: In the storybook, the two girls swore they would be bosom buddies forever. / She is my bosom buddy with whom I share all my secrets.

Other Ways to Say: Best friend / Close companion

44. Soul mate

Meaning: A friend or companion with whom you share a deep, perfect understanding.

For Example: Finding a friend who loves the exact same music feels like meeting a soul mate. / My rescue dog is truly my animal soul mate.

Other Ways to Say: Kindred spirit / Perfect match

45. Kindred spirit

Meaning: Someone who shares your thoughts, feelings, and passions.

For Example: When she saw my painting supplies, she knew I was a kindred spirit. / Finding a kindred spirit at the library made my day special.

Other Ways to Say: Similar soul / Like-minded friend

46. Right-hand person

Meaning: Your most trusted and helpful friend or assistant.

For Example: She is my right-hand person when we organize the club bake sale. / Every team captain needs a reliable right-hand person.

Other Ways to Say: Trusted helper / Chief assistant

47. Partner in crime

Meaning: A playful name for your favorite friend to share silly adventures with.

For Example: My brother and I are partners in crime when building giant blanket forts. / She and her best friend are partners in crime at recess games.

Other Ways to Say: Playmate / Close buddy

48. Sidekick

Meaning: A loyal friend who accompanies someone on fun adventures.

For Example: Batman always has his loyal sidekick Robin nearby. / My little puppy is my favorite sidekick on walks.

Other Ways to Say: Companion / Partner

49. Joined at the hip

Meaning: So close to your friend that you are almost always together.

For Example: Those two puppies are joined at the hip when exploring the lawn. / Ever since kindergarten, those friends have been joined at the hip.

Other Ways to Say: Inseparable / Always together

50. Hand in glove

Meaning: Working very closely together in a wonderful partnership.

For Example: The two bakers worked hand in glove to make the birthday cake. / Good friends often work hand in glove on group art projects.

Other Ways to Say: Closely matched / Working together

51. Play second fiddle

Meaning: To support a friend while letting them take the main spotlight.

For Example: I was happy to play second fiddle while my friend sang the solo. / Sometimes being a good friend means knowing how to play second fiddle.

Other Ways to Say: Support role / Assist quietly

52. Back someone up

Meaning: To support a friend’s ideas or protect them in a discussion.

For Example: Thank you for backing me up when I explained the game rules. / True friends always back each other up during club meetings.

Other Ways to Say: Support / Validate

53. Go to bat for someone

Meaning: To defend or help a friend courageously when they are in trouble.

For Example: She was willing to go to bat for me when my art project was criticized. / It means a lot when a pal goes to bat for you.

Other Ways to Say: Defend / Support strongly

54. Open your heart

Meaning: To share your feelings honestly and accept a friend warmly.

For Example: It feels wonderful to open your heart to a new classmate. / True friends open their hearts and listen without judging.

Other Ways to Say: Be open / Show kindness

55. Share a laugh

Meaning: To enjoy a funny moment together and strengthen your friendship bond.

For Example: We love to sit at lunch and share a laugh over silly jokes. / Sharing a laugh is the best way to brighten a cloudy afternoon.

Other Ways to Say: Laugh together / Have fun

56. Walk side by side

Meaning: To journey through life or school together as equals and friends.

For Example: We promised to walk side by side through all four years of middle school. / Friends walk side by side through every happy adventure.

Other Ways to Say: Journey together / Walk together

57. Share the load

Meaning: To work together so that neither friend is overwhelmed.

For Example: Cleaning up the classroom is fast when we share the load. / Friends share the load when packing up after the art project.

Other Ways to Say: Help each other / Divide work

58. Face the music together

Meaning: To support a friend when dealing with the consequences of a mistake.

For Example: We made a messy spill, so we decided to face the music together. / A real pal will help you face the music when rules are broken.

Other Ways to Say: Face trouble together / Support through errors

59. Stick together

Meaning: To remain united as friends and never abandon each other.

For Example: During the crowded school trip, we made sure to stick together. / Good friends always stick together on the playground.

Other Ways to Say: Remain united / Stay close

60. Share a smile

Meaning: To greet or comfort a friend with a happy, friendly expression.

For Example: Whenever I feel sad, she knows just how to share a smile with me. / Sharing a smile is a wonderful way to make someone feel welcome.

Other Ways to Say: Smile together / Greet warmly

Exercise to Practice

1. The two best friends were as ________ as thieves and did everything together.
2. When meeting new classmates, always put your best ________ forward.
3. My big brother always helps to ________ up for me when kids tease my drawings.
4. We met at the playground swings and ________ it off right away.
5. Whenever I felt nervous about my speech, I could ________ on my best friend.
6. My sister and I do not always ________ eye to eye on which movie to watch.
7. Let us talk through the project rules so we are all on the same ________.
8. The kind fifth grader took the new student under his ________ at recess.
9. True friends always ________ up for your birthday and your games.
10. Can you ________ a hand carrying these heavy art supplies to the desk?
11. She went the ________ mile to help me study for the spelling test.
12. We could not agree on a game, so we decided to ________ halfway and play tag.
13. Finding a friend who loves the exact same music feels like meeting a ________ mate.
14. My brother and I are partners in ________ when building giant blanket forts.
15. During the crowded school trip, we made sure to ________ together.

Answer Key

1. thick
2. foot
3. stick
4. hit
5. lean
6. see
7. page
8. wing
9. show
10. lend
11. extra
12. meet
13. soul
14. crime
15. stick

Conclusion

Learning idioms about friendship helps you understand stories, poems, and everyday conversations much better. When you know what these colorful phrases mean, you can use them to express your appreciation for your pals in super fun ways.

Try using a few of these expressions the next time you talk about helping a classmate or sharing a fun adventure. Practicing them out loud is a great way to remember them and make your speaking sound awesome.