16 Idioms for Friendship

Introduction

Friendship is a cornerstone of human connection, filled with joy, comfort, and shared experiences. Whether it’s through laughter or support during tough times, friends enrich our lives in countless ways.

Hook with a relatable example

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed a friend to lean on? Perhaps you celebrated a great achievement with your best friend or sought comfort after a tough day. Friends often understand us in ways no one else can, making our bonds incredibly special.

Explain what idioms are

Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning. They add color and depth to a language, allowing you to express feelings and ideas in a more relatable manner.

Mention that the article focuses on idioms related to "16 idioms for friendship"

In this article, we will explore 16 idioms related to friendship. These expressions can help you describe the nuances of your friendships with greater flair.

Say there will be 16 idioms with examples, exercises, and quizzes

You will find explanations of each idiom, examples to illustrate their usage, and fun exercises and quizzes to help you practice!

1. A friend in need is a friend indeed

Meaning: A true friend is someone who is there when you need help.
In a Sentence: A friend in need is a friend indeed; Mark was there for me when I faced my toughest challenges.
Example 1: After I lost my job, Sarah really stepped up; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Example 2: John offered to help me move, reminding me that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Other ways to say it: A loyal friend is revealed during difficult times.

2. Birds of a feather flock together

Meaning: People with similar interests tend to associate with each other.
In a Sentence: It’s no surprise that Jill and her friends are always together; birds of a feather flock together.
Example 1: You can see that they all love hiking; birds of a feather flock together.
Example 2: Friends who share interests remind us that birds of a feather flock together.
Other ways to say it: Like attracts like.

3. Through thick and thin

Meaning: To support someone in good times and bad.
In a Sentence: They have stayed friends through thick and thin, no matter the challenges that came their way.
Example 1: I know I can count on her; she’s been with me through thick and thin.
Example 2: Their friendship has endured through thick and thin; they truly understand each other.
Other ways to say it: In good times and bad.

4. The more, the merrier

Meaning: The more people involved, the better the situation becomes.
In a Sentence: I love hanging out with friends; the more, the merrier!
Example 1: When planning a party, remember that the more, the merrier!
Example 2: We should invite more friends to the game because the more, the merrier!
Other ways to say it: More friends make for more fun.

5. Two peas in a pod

Meaning: Two people who are very similar and compatible.
In a Sentence: They’re like two peas in a pod; they always finish each other’s sentences!
Example 1: Since childhood, those two have been two peas in a pod.
Example 2: It’s clear they share a special bond; they really are two peas in a pod.
Other ways to say it: In perfect harmony.

6. BFF (Best Friends Forever)

Meaning: A term used to describe a close and loyal friendship.
In a Sentence: Even after years apart, we still refer to each other as BFFs.
Example 1: No matter where life takes us, she will always be my BFF.
Example 2: We’ve known each other since kindergarten; we’re true BFFs.
Other ways to say it: Close friends.

7. To have someone’s back

Meaning: To support or defend someone.
In a Sentence: I know she always has my back, no matter what happens.
Example 1: I appreciate friends who have my back when times get tough.
Example 2: True friends are those who have your back during hard times.
Other ways to say it: To stand by someone.

8. A shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Someone who provides comfort to someone in distress.
In a Sentence: After her breakup, Jenny needed a shoulder to cry on.
Example 1: Friends should be there to offer a shoulder to cry on when needed.
Example 2: He has always been a shoulder to cry on during my tough times.
Other ways to say it: A comforting presence.

9. To hit it off

Meaning: To get along well with someone immediately.
In a Sentence: They just met, but they really hit it off!
Example 1: At the party, she hit it off with everyone there.
Example 2: It’s amazing how quickly they hit it off despite being strangers.
Other ways to say it: Click with someone.

10. To go the extra mile

Meaning: To make a special effort beyond what is expected.
In a Sentence: She always goes the extra mile to help her friends.
Example 1: If you want to impress your friends, you need to go the extra mile.
Example 2: He went the extra mile by organizing a surprise party.
Other ways to say it: Go above and beyond.

11. To be thick as thieves

Meaning: To be very close friends.
In a Sentence: They grew up together and are now thick as thieves.
Example 1: Whenever I see them, they’re laughing; they are thick as thieves.
Example 2: It’s great to see them happy; they’ve always been thick as thieves.
Other ways to say it: Close-knit.

12. To keep in touch

Meaning: To maintain communication with someone.
In a Sentence: Even after moving away, we promised to keep in touch.
Example 1: It’s crucial to keep in touch with friends, no matter the distance.
Example 2: They always make an effort to keep in touch during the holidays.
Other ways to say it: Stay connected.

13. To make amends

Meaning: To apologize and reconcile after a disagreement.
In a Sentence: After arguing, they made amends and are friends again.
Example 1: It’s important to make amends after a fight with a friend.
Example 2: He reached out to make amends, showing he valued their friendship.
Other ways to say it: Reconcile.

14. Friends like family

Meaning: Close friends who are as important as family members.
In a Sentence: My best friends are friends like family; they support me no matter what.
Example 1: I’m lucky to have friends like family who always stand by me.
Example 2: Friends like family share bonds that are incredibly strong.
Other ways to say it: Chosen family.

15. To break the ice

Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
In a Sentence: He told a joke to break the ice at the new club.
Example 1: Breaking the ice can make a new group feel more comfortable.
Example 2: I like to use humor to break the ice when meeting new people.
Other ways to say it: Start a conversation.

16. To see eye to eye

Meaning: To agree or have the same opinion.
In a Sentence: They don’t always see eye to eye, but they respect each other’s views.
Example 1: It’s nice to find friends you can see eye to eye with on important matters.
Example 2: They see eye to eye on most topics, making their friendship strong.
Other ways to say it: Be on the same page.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

1. After my friend helped me with my project, I realized that ___.
2. They are always together because ___.
3. No matter what happens, I will stay__ ___ with you.
4. Maria is my ___, we’ve shared everything for years.
5. Sarah always ___ when I need someone to talk to.
6. We decided to invite everyone to the picnic because ___.
7. We ___ after that disagreement to restore our friendship.
8. My friends have always been ___.
9. I made a joke to _____ during our first meeting.
10. It can be hard to stay close, but we always ___.
11. Even when life gets tough, friends should stick together ___.
12. With some friends, you find that you really ___.
13. Despite their differences, they always manage to ___.
14. At the reunion, our friendship felt as strong as ___.
15. They constantly ___ on this issue, which helps their friendship.
16. I love my friends; they really know how to ___!

Answer Key:

1. A friend in need is a friend indeed
2. Birds of a feather flock together
3. Through thick and thin
4. BFF (Best Friends Forever)
5. A shoulder to cry on
6. The more, the merrier
7. Make amends
8. Friends like family
9. Break the ice
10. Keep in touch
11. Through thick and thin
12. See eye to eye
13. Go the extra mile
14. Two peas in a pod
15. Keep in touch
16. Break the ice

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What does "to hit it off" mean?
   A) To agree on a topic
   B) To become friends quickly
   C) To support a friend
   D) To argue with someone

2. If someone has your back, it means they:
   A) Ignore your problems
   B) Support and defend you
   C) Challenge your views
   D) Leave you alone

3. "A shoulder to cry on" refers to:
   A) A family member
   B) A person who comforts you
   C) A best friend
   D) A loud friend

4. What does "friends like family" mean?
   A) Distant relatives
   B) Close friends who feel like family
   C) Friends with many disagreements
   D) Casual acquaintances

5. If someone goes the extra mile, they:
   A) Take shortcuts
   B) Make a special effort
   C) Ignore their friends
   D) Do the bare minimum

6. What is the meaning of "to make amends"?
   A) To improve your friendship
   B) To apologize and reconcile
   C) To end a friendship
   D) To ignore a problem

7. "Birds of a feather flock together" suggests:
   A) Talented people form groups
   B) Similar individuals tend to stick together
   C) Friends create chaos
   D) Different people learn from each other

Answer Key:

1. B) To become friends quickly
2. B) Support and defend you
3. B) A person who comforts you
4. B) Close friends who feel like family
5. B) Make a special effort
6. B) To apologize and reconcile
7. B) Similar individuals tend to stick together

7 Tips to Remember 16 Idioms for Friendship

1. Practice in Conversation: Use idioms in your everyday conversations to reinforce learning.

2. Create Visuals: Draw or write down idioms with pictures to visualize their meanings.

3. Associate with Experiences: Link idioms to personal experiences that resonate with you.

4. Flashcards: Create flashcards with idioms on one side and meanings on the other to test yourself.

5. Group Activities: Learn with friends; turn it into a fun group activity.

6. Daily Idiom: Choose one idiom to focus on and use it throughout your day.

7. Write Stories: Create short stories or dialogues incorporating several idioms to practice.

Conclusion

You’ve now explored 16 idioms for friendship, enhancing your vocabulary and understanding of how to express the bonds we share with friends. Remember to practice using at least 2-3 idioms today, and notice how they enrich your conversations! Go ahead, share the joy of these expressions with your friends!