Friendship is one of life’s most treasured relationships. Idioms about friendship capture its depth, loyalty, and warmth in just a few words. Whether you’re crafting a personal statement, warming up a social post, or writing heartfelt dialogue, using friendship idioms can bring color and emotional resonance.
In this article, you’ll explore over 20 idioms celebrating different aspects of friendship—from trust and care to support and adventure. You’ll learn what they mean, when to use them, and tips to make your writing shine. Plus, you’ll see how IvyPlug can help you weave these idioms into essays, personal statements, and study-abroad materials to create real impact.
1. Idioms That Celebrate Loyalty and Trust
- Through thick and thin: Standing by someone no matter what.
Example: “She stuck with me through thick and thin during my toughest semester.” - A friend in need is a friend indeed: True friends show up when help is needed.
Example: “When I lost my internship, my roommate stepped in—truly a friend in need is a friend indeed.” - Stand by someone: Support someone through difficulties.
Example: “He stood by me when I moved across the world for my exchange program.” - Shoulder to cry on: Someone who offers emotional support.
Example: “After finals, I found the perfect shoulder to cry on in my best friend.”
2. Idioms That Capture Companionship and Enjoyment
- Thick as thieves: Very close, secret-sharing friendship.
Example: “Ever since freshman year, we’ve been thick as thieves.” - Cheek by jowl: Very close together physically or emotionally.
Example: “My roommate and I live cheek by jowl—it’s all laughter at 2am.” - Paddle one’s own canoe: Enjoy someone’s independent spirit in friendship.
Example: “She always paddles her own canoe but still makes time for us.” - Two peas in a pod: Like-minded best friends.
Example: “We’re two peas in a pod when it comes to movies and pizza.”
3. Idioms for Shared Experiences and Memories
- Broke bread together: Shared meals or experiences.
Example: “We broke bread together after our first study abroad trip.” - Shared history: A long journey of common experiences.
Example: “Our shared history includes every camping trip since 10th grade.” - Been around the block: Experienced adventure with someone.
Example: “We’ve been around the block—travel, heartbreak, success.” - Memories to last a lifetime: Unforgettable adventures with a friend.
Example: “That bus ride through Europe gave us memories to last a lifetime.”
4. Idioms Reflecting Support and Encouragement
- Lift someone up: Encourage or inspire.
Example: “She always lifts me up when I’m down.” - Have someone’s back: Offer solid support.
Example: “He knows I have his back in every job interview.” - Go the extra mile: Put in extra effort for a friend.
Example: “She went the extra mile to help me move into my dorm.” - Pick up the pieces: Help a friend rebuild after hardship.
Example: “After a breakup, my best friend helped me pick up the pieces.”
5. Idioms for Fun, Adventure, and Shared Life
- Paint the town red: Go out and celebrate together.
Example: “After graduation, we painted the town red in Lagos.” - At the drop of a hat: Ready to act or go spontaneously.
Example: “She’ll help me move—at the drop of a hat.” - Two’s company, three’s a crowd: Ideal duo dynamic.
Example: “Just us two—two’s company, three’s a crowd!” - Sit down and chew the fat: Enjoy relaxed conversation.
Example: “On weekends we’ll sit down and chew the fat over coffee.”
6. Idioms About Time and Longevity
- Old school friends: Long-time, trusted companions.
Example: “My old school friends know me best.” - Friends for keeps: Lifelong bonds.
Example: “We’re friends for keeps—studied, laughed, cried together.” - Through the years: Friendship lasting over time.
Example: “We’ve stayed close through the years.” - Stand the test of time: Friendship that remains strong.
Example: “Our bond stood the test of time—distance included.”
7. Idioms That Highlight Honesty and Comfort
- Speak one’s mind: Say what you really feel to a friend.
Example: “We speak our minds and keep it real.” - Comfort zone: Feeling safe and relaxed.
Example: “I feel in my comfort zone with her.” - Honest to a fault: Blunt but deeply caring.
Example: “He’s honest to a fault—but I trust him completely.”
8. Idioms Combining Emotion and Depth
- Heart of gold: Someone kind and caring.
Example: “She’s got a heart of gold—always knows how to cheer me up.” - Light at the end of the tunnel: A friend offering hope during tough times.
Example: “He’s my light at the end of the tunnel during finals.” - Kindred spirits: Friends connected by similar beliefs.
Example: “We’re kindred spirits—we just get each other.” - True colors: Showing who you really are.
Example: “Her true colors shine when she helps strangers.”
9. Creative Friendship Idioms from Around the World
- Kindred spirits (English): Deep, almost psychic connection.
- Soulmates (informal English): Perfectly matched friends.
- Brothers from another mother (slang): Deep male friendship.
Example: “He’s my brother from another mother—I’ve known him since kindergarten.” - Sisters of the soul (slang): Deep female friendship.
Example: “She’s my sister of the soul—no secrets between us.” - Amigos para toda la vida (Spanish): Friends for life.
Example: “Mis amigos para toda la vida están siempre ahí para mí.”
10. How to Use Friendship Idioms Well
- Match tone: Light idioms for casual chat, heartfelt ones for speeches or essays.
- Context matters: “Through thick and thin” works in personal statements about resilience.
- Define when needed: For non-native readers, follow idiom with short clarification.
- Balance usage: One or two idioms per paragraph; more can feel forced.
11. Exercises to Practice Friendship Idioms
- Choose five idioms that fit your experience or goal.
- Write personal anecdotes around each idiom.
- “My best friend and I are two peas in a pod—we even think alike.”
- “She’s my shoulder to cry on after every setback.”
- Blend in a mix of fun and depth:
- “We painted the town red after our exams, living two peas in a pod spirit.”
- Revise and get feedback: Ask if idioms feel natural and effective.
12. Real‑World Example in Personal Statement
“As someone who moved continents, friendship meant finding anchors—my roommate became a shoulder to cry on, and together we painted the town red during our first weekend in Lagos. These bonds taught me that a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
This snippet weaves three idioms—“shoulder to cry on,” “painted the town red,” and “a friend in need is a friend indeed”—to create vivid, emotionally rich narrative.
13. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Mixing mismatched idioms: Don’t blend metaphors like “paint the town green” unless intentional.
- Overexplaining: A brief definition is enough—don’t overshadow the idiom’s effect.
- Audience awareness: Some idioms (e.g., “cheek by jowl”) are less familiar globally—prefer universal ones.
- Use sparingly: A few well-chosen idioms are more impactful than overloading your text.
14. How IvyPlug Elevates Your Writing
Crafting a standout essay, personal statement, or study-abroad application isn’t just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Idioms add personality and resonance—but placement, tone, and choice matter. That’s where IvyPlug comes in:
- Idiom selection: Advisors guide you to the best expressions that match your story and voice.
- Tone and placement: IvyPlug ensures idioms land with the intended effect—whether warmth, resilience, or adventure.
- Polish & clarity: Support with definitions and seamless integration so your text flows naturally.
With expert feedback, your writing becomes not only polished—it becomes memorable. IvyPlug helps your message stand out in every application, making your words resonate with authenticity and heart.
15. Conclusion
Friendship idioms are powerful tools for expressing loyalty, fun, support, and history in an instant. From “through thick and thin” to “two peas in a pod,” each phrase brings meaning and emotion to your writing and speech. Use them thoughtfully, balance them with sincerity, and let your voice shine.
Want to take your essays, personal statements, or study-abroad applications to the next level? IvyPlug offers expert guidance to refine tone, pick the right idioms, and polish your writing until it resonates. Build connections—not just words—with IvyPlug’s support.