Check 75 Idioms for Best Friend With Exmaples
Idioms are a fascinating and colorful part of the English language. They add depth and nuance to our conversations, allowing us to express complex ideas in a concise and often humorous way. When it comes to describing our closest relationships, like those with our best friends, idioms can be particularly effective. Understanding and using idioms related to friendship not only enhances your vocabulary but also allows you to connect with native English speakers on a deeper level. This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, who wish to learn and master idioms related to best friends. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently use these idioms in your everyday conversations and writing.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Idioms for Best Friend
- Structural Breakdown of Friendship Idioms
- Types and Categories of Friendship Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for Best Friend
- Usage Rules for Friendship Idioms
- Common Mistakes with Friendship Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Friendship Idioms
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for Best Friend
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. In other words, it’s a figurative way of saying something. Idioms related to “best friends” are expressions that describe the special bond, qualities, and experiences shared between close friends. These idioms often convey feelings of affection, loyalty, support, and camaraderie.
Classification: Friendship idioms fall under the broader category of figurative language. They are a type of expression that relies on metaphorical or non-literal meanings.
Function: The primary function of these idioms is to express emotions and relationships in a more vivid and engaging way than straightforward language. They add color and personality to conversations about friendship.
Contexts: Friendship idioms are used in various contexts, including casual conversations, storytelling, writing (both fiction and non-fiction), and even in some formal speeches. They are most common in informal settings where the speaker or writer wants to create a sense of intimacy and connection.
Structural Breakdown of Friendship Idioms
Friendship idioms, like all idioms, don’t follow a rigid grammatical structure. Their structure is often fixed, meaning the words cannot be changed or rearranged without altering the idiom’s meaning or making it nonsensical. However, understanding the components of these idioms can help in remembering and using them correctly.
Many friendship idioms contain nouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions. The key is that these words, when combined, create a meaning that is different from their individual definitions. For instance, the idiom “thick as thieves” uses the adjective “thick” and the noun “thieves” to describe a close and secretive friendship, not necessarily a literal association with criminal activity.
The structure of an idiom can also involve comparisons, often using “as” or “like.” For example, “like two peas in a pod” compares the similarity of two friends to the identical appearance of peas in a pod. Recognizing these structural patterns can make it easier to understand and remember new friendship idioms.
Types and Categories of Friendship Idioms
Friendship idioms can be categorized based on the emotions or aspects of friendship they describe. Here are some common categories:
Idioms Expressing Positive Feelings
These idioms convey affection, admiration, and appreciation for a friend. They highlight the positive aspects of the relationship and the joy that friendship brings.
Idioms Describing Support and Loyalty
These idioms emphasize the unwavering support, loyalty, and dependability that characterize a strong friendship. They highlight the willingness to stand by a friend through thick and thin.
Humorous Idioms About Friendship
These idioms use humor to describe funny or quirky aspects of friendship, often poking fun at shared experiences or personality traits.
Idioms for Long-Term Friendships
These idioms emphasize the enduring nature of a friendship that has lasted for many years, highlighting the shared history and deep connection between friends.
Examples of Idioms for Best Friend
Here are some examples of idioms for best friends, categorized by the aspects of friendship they represent:
Positive Feeling Examples
The following table provides examples of idioms expressing positive feelings towards a best friend.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Like two peas in a pod | Very similar and always together | Sarah and Emily are like two peas in a pod; they do everything together. |
| A match made in heaven | A perfect pairing of two people | Their friendship is a match made in heaven; they complement each other so well. |
| Partners in crime | Friends who often get into mischief together | They’ve been partners in crime since kindergarten, always up to something. |
| Attached at the hip | Always together, very close | Those two are attached at the hip; you never see one without the other. |
| Kindred spirits | People with similar interests and values | We realized we were kindred spirits when we discovered our shared love for books. |
| Two of a kind | Very similar in personality or behavior | They’re two of a kind, both outgoing and adventurous. |
| Best buds | Very close friends | They’ve been best buds since they met in college. |
| Soulmates | People who are deeply connected and understand each other perfectly | Some people believe that best friends can be soulmates. |
| A shoulder to cry on | Someone who offers comfort and support | She’s always been a shoulder to cry on when I’m feeling down. |
| A true blue friend | A loyal and reliable friend | He’s a true blue friend; you can always count on him. |
| Inseparable | Unable to be separated | The twins are inseparable; they do everything together. |
| Thick as thieves | Very close and secretive | They’re as thick as thieves, always whispering secrets to each other. |
| Bosom buddies | Very close friends | They were bosom buddies throughout their school years. |
| Like family | As close as family members | My best friends are like family to me; I can’t imagine my life without them. |
| Joined at the hip | Always together, very close | Since they started dating, they’ve been joined at the hip. |
| Birds of a feather | People with similar interests and habits | Birds of a feather flock together; that’s why they became friends. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A true friend helps when you are in trouble | He proved he was a friend in need is a friend indeed when he helped me move. |
| Always there for each other | Always supportive and available | They’re always there for each other, no matter what. |
| Connected at the heart | Having a deep emotional connection | They’re connected at the heart; you can see the love they have for each other. |
| Two peas in a pod | Very similar and always together | They are like two peas in a pod; they even dress alike! |
| A kindred spirit | Someone who shares your interests and feelings | I knew she was a kindred spirit from the moment we met. |
| The best of friends | Very close friends | They have been the best of friends since childhood. |
Support and Loyalty Examples
The following table provides examples of idioms describing friendship built on support and loyalty.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Through thick and thin | Through good times and bad times | We’ve been friends through thick and thin, always supporting each other. |
| Ride or die | Extremely loyal and supportive, no matter what | She’s my ride or die; I know she’ll always have my back. |
| Have someone’s back | To support or defend someone | I always have your back, no matter what happens. |
| Stand by someone | To support someone during a difficult time | I’ll stand by you through this challenging period. |
| A pillar of strength | Someone who provides unwavering support | She was a pillar of strength when I was going through a tough time. |
| Be there for someone | To be available and supportive | I’ll always be there for you, no matter what. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A true friend helps when you are in trouble | He proved he was a friend in need is a friend indeed when he helped me move. |
| Go to bat for someone | To defend or support someone | I’ll go to bat for you if anyone tries to hurt you. |
| Have each other’s backs | To support and protect each other | They always have each other’s backs, no matter what. |
| Stick up for someone | To defend someone who is being criticized or attacked | I’ll always stick up for you, even when others don’t. |
| Be a rock for someone | To be a source of stability and support | She’s been a rock for me during this difficult time. |
| Be one’s keeper | To be responsible for someone’s well-being | I feel like I’m her keeper; I always worry about her. |
| Be a crutch for someone | To provide support to someone who is struggling | He’s been a crutch for me as I recover from my injury. |
| Never let someone down | To always be there for someone | I’ll never let you down; you can always count on me. |
| Be someone’s lifeline | To be a crucial source of support | She’s been my lifeline during this crisis. |
| Through hell and high water | Through any difficult situation | We’ll get through this together, through hell and high water. |
| Be a safe harbor | To be a place of safety and comfort | Her friendship is a safe harbor in my life. |
| Be someone’s sounding board | To be someone who listens and offers advice | I can always count on him to be my sounding board when I need to vent. |
| Be someone’s confidant | To be someone who can be trusted with secrets | She’s my confidant; I can tell her anything. |
| A constant in someone’s life | To be a stable and reliable presence | Her friendship has been a constant in my life. |
| Be the light at the end of the tunnel | To be a source of hope during difficult times | His support was the light at the end of the tunnel when I was struggling. |
Humorous Examples
The following table provides examples of humorous idioms used to describe aspects of a best friend relationship.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Two peas in a pod (used sarcastically) | Used when friends are acting silly or foolish together | Look at those two peas in a pod, trying to dance like professionals! |
| Partners in crime (used playfully) | Friends who enjoy getting into minor trouble together | We were partners in crime in high school, always skipping class together. |
| Like an old married couple | Friends who bicker and tease each other constantly | They act like an old married couple, always arguing about the smallest things. |
| Joined at the hip (used to exaggerate closeness) | Friends who are always together, sometimes annoyingly so | They’re joined at the hip; you can’t even go to the bathroom without them following you. |
| Birds of a feather flock together (used ironically) | Used when friends have questionable habits or traits | Well, birds of a feather flock together; no wonder they’re always getting into trouble. |
| Dragging each other down | Friends who encourage each other to make bad decisions | They’re dragging each other down with their unhealthy habits. |
| Double trouble | Two friends who are likely to cause mischief | Those two are double trouble when they’re together. |
| A bad influence | A friend who encourages negative behavior | Some people think he’s a bad influence, but I enjoy his company. |
| Enabling each other | Friends who support each other’s bad habits | They’re enabling each other’s shopping addiction. |
| Feeding off each other | Friends who amplify each other’s emotions or behaviors | They’re feeding off each other’s anxiety about the test. |
| Pushing each other’s buttons | Friends who know how to annoy each other | They’re always pushing each other’s buttons, but they still love each other. |
| Driving each other crazy | Friends who irritate each other | They’re driving each other crazy with their constant complaining. |
| Like cats and dogs | Friends who constantly argue or disagree | They fight like cats and dogs, but they’re still best friends. |
| A match made in hell | Used when friends have a destructive or chaotic relationship | Their friendship is a match made in hell; they’re always fighting and causing drama. |
| Up to no good | Friends who are likely planning something mischievous | Those two are up to no good; I can see it in their eyes. |
| Stirring the pot | Friends who like to create drama or conflict | They’re always stirring the pot, trying to get a reaction out of people. |
| Enemies with benefits | Friends who bicker but still enjoy each other’s company | They’re like enemies with benefits; they argue constantly but still hang out. |
| A recipe for disaster | Friends who are likely to cause problems together | Those two together are a recipe for disaster; I’m surprised they haven’t been arrested yet. |
| Two wrongs don’t make a right | Friends who encourage each other to seek revenge | They’re trying to convince me to get back at him, but two wrongs don’t make a right. |
| A comedy duo | Friends who are funny when together | When they get together, they are a comedy duo. |
| Double the trouble | Twice as much mischief when they are together | Those two are double the trouble when they are together. |
Long-Term Friendship Examples
The following table provides idioms that describe the enduring nature of long-term friendships.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Old friends | Friends who have known each other for a long time | We’re old friends; we’ve been through so much together. |
| Been through the mill together | Experienced many challenges and difficulties together | We’ve been through the mill together; that’s what makes our friendship so strong. |
| Water under the bridge | Past disagreements or issues that are no longer important | That argument is water under the bridge; let’s move on. |
| Through thick and thin (long-term context) | Friends who have supported each other through many years of ups and downs | We’ve been friends through thick and thin for over 20 years. |
| Growing old together | Friends who plan to remain friends throughout their lives | We’re growing old together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. |
| A friendship that has stood the test of time | A friendship that has lasted through many years and challenges | Our friendship has stood the test of time; we’re still close after all these years. |
| Like a fine wine, gets better with age | A friendship that improves and deepens over time | Our friendship is like a fine wine, getting better with age. |
| Sharing a history | Friends who have a long shared past | We share a history that no one else can understand. |
| Lifelong friends | Friends who will remain friends for the rest of their lives | We’re lifelong friends; I can’t imagine my life without them. |
| Connected for life | Friends who have a bond that will never be broken | We’re connected for life; our friendship will never fade. |
| Having deep roots | A friendship that is deeply ingrained and resilient | Our friendship has deep roots; nothing can tear us apart. |
| Having a shared narrative | Friends who have created a story together | We have a shared narrative that only we understand. |
| Been there, done that | Friends who have experienced the same things together | We’ve been there, done that; we know each other inside and out. |
| Sharing a common past | Friends who have a long history together | We share a common past that has shaped who we are today. |
| Bound by time | Friends whose bond is strengthened by the years | We’re bound by time; our friendship has only grown stronger over the years. |
| Decades of friendship | Friends who have been close for many decades | We have decades of friendship behind us. |
| A bond that has aged well | A friendship that has improved over time | Our bond has aged well; we are closer than ever. |
| A long-lasting connection | A friendship that endures through the years | We have a long-lasting connection that I cherish. |
| Sharing a rich history | Friends who have a deep and meaningful past together | We share a rich history full of memories. |
| A friendship that has seen it all | Friends who have experienced many life events together | Our friendship has seen it all, the good and the bad. |
Usage Rules for Friendship Idioms
Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and the contexts in which they are appropriate. Here are some guidelines for using friendship idioms effectively:
- Understand the Meaning: Always ensure you know the precise meaning of the idiom before using it. Using an idiom incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
- Consider the Context: Friendship idioms are generally informal. Avoid using them in formal writing or professional presentations.
- Use Appropriately: Choose idioms that fit the specific situation and the emotions you want to convey. For example, use supportive idioms when talking about a friend who has helped you through a difficult time.
- Avoid Overuse: While idioms can add color to your language, using too many can make your speech sound unnatural or forced.
- Be Aware of Cultural Differences: Some idioms may not translate well across cultures. Be mindful of your audience and avoid using idioms that might be unfamiliar or offensive.
- Practice: The best way to master idioms is to practice using them in your everyday conversations and writing.
Common Mistakes with Friendship Idioms
Here are some common mistakes that English learners make when using friendship idioms:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| They are like two apples in a basket. | They are like two peas in a pod. | “Apples in a basket” is not an established idiom; “peas in a pod” is the correct expression. |
| We are friends with thin and thick. | We are friends through thick and thin. | The preposition “through” is essential for the idiom to make sense. |
| He has my back on every time. | He always has my back. | The correct phrase is “has my back,” without the added “on every time.” |
| They are attached at the leg. | They are attached at the hip. | The correct body part in the idiom is “hip,” not “leg.” |
| She’s my shoulder to sit on. | She’s my shoulder to cry on. | The correct verb is “cry,” indicating comfort and support during difficult times. |
| They are partners in the crime. | They are partners in crime. | The article “the” should not be used before “crime” in this idiom. |
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge of friendship idioms with these exercises:
- Fill in the Blanks: Complete the following sentences with the correct idiom.
- Matching: Match the idiom with its correct meaning.
- Sentence Creation: Create your own sentences using the given idioms.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list below.
Idiom List: like two peas in a pod, through thick and thin, have my back, partners in crime, a shoulder to cry on
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. We’ve been friends ____________, supporting each other no matter what. | through thick and thin |
| 2. They are ____________; they do everything together and have the same interests. | like two peas in a pod |
| 3. She’s always there to ____________ when I’m feeling down. | a shoulder to cry on |
| 4. I know I can always count on you to ____________. | have my back |
| 5. They’ve been ____________ since they were kids, always getting into trouble. | partners in crime |
| 6. Even if we disagree, I know you will always ____________. | have my back |
| 7. We are ____________, supporting each other no matter what. | through thick and thin |
| 8. My best friend is always ____________. | a shoulder to cry on |
| 9. My sister and I are ____________, we always understand each other. | like two peas in a pod |
| 10. They were ____________, always playing pranks on the teachers. | partners in crime |
Exercise 2: Matching
Match the idiom with its meaning.
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. A friend in need is a friend indeed | (c) A true friend helps when you are in trouble |
| 2. Ride or die | (a) Extremely loyal and supportive |
| 3. Like an old married couple | (b) Friends who bicker and tease each other |
Meanings:
a. Extremely loyal and supportive
b. Friends who bicker and tease each other
c. A true friend helps when you are in trouble
Exercise 3: Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using the following idioms:
- Best buds
- Soulmates
- A true blue friend
Sample Answers:
- They’ve been best buds since they met in college.
- Some people believe that best friends can be soulmates.
- He’s a true blue friend; you can always count on him.
Advanced Topics in Friendship Idioms
For advanced learners, exploring the nuances and origins of friendship idioms can provide a deeper understanding of the English language. Researching the historical context of these idioms can reveal fascinating insights into cultural values and beliefs about friendship. Additionally, analyzing how these idioms are used in literature and film can enhance your appreciation of their expressive power.
Another advanced topic is the study of regional variations in friendship idioms. Some expressions may be more common in certain parts of the English-speaking world, while others may have different meanings depending on the region. Understanding these variations can help you communicate more effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. It’s a figurative way of saying something. - Why are idioms important in English?
Idioms add color and depth to the English language. They allow you to express complex ideas in a concise and engaging way, and they help you connect with native speakers on a deeper level. - How can I learn new idioms?
Read extensively, listen to native speakers, and use flashcards or other memorization techniques. Pay attention to the context in which idioms are used and practice using them in your own conversations and writing. - Are friendship idioms used in formal writing?
Generally, friendship idioms are more common in informal settings. Avoid using them in formal writing or professional presentations, unless you are sure they are appropriate for the audience and context. - Can I change the words in an idiom?
No, idioms have a fixed structure. Changing the words will alter the meaning or make the expression nonsensical. - What should I do if I don’t understand an idiom?
Look it up in a dictionary or online resource. Pay attention to the context in which it is used and ask a native speaker for clarification if needed. - Are there regional variations in friendship idioms?
Yes, some idioms may be more common in certain regions or have different meanings depending on the location. Be aware of these variations when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. - How can I practice using friendship idioms?
Use them in your everyday conversations and writing. Watch movies and TV shows, and pay attention to how native speakers use idioms in different contexts. Try to incorporate a few new idioms into your vocabulary each week.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for best friends is a valuable step in improving your English language skills. These colorful expressions allow you to convey emotions and relationships in a more vivid and engaging way. By understanding the definitions, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with these idioms, you can confidently incorporate them into your conversations and writing.
Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which idioms are used. With dedication and effort, you can expand your vocabulary and enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. So, go ahead and start using these idioms to describe your best friends and celebrate the special bond you share!
