Best friends are people we trust, laugh with, and spend time with. They are the ones who help us when we’re sad and celebrate with us when we’re happy. In English, there are special phrases, or idioms, that describe this kind of strong friendship. These idioms make it easier to talk about friends in fun and meaningful ways.
In this article, you will learn idioms that people use when talking about best friends. Each one has a clear meaning and can be used in real-life situations. These phrases help you say more with fewer words. You will also practice rewriting simple sentences using these idioms, which will help you understand them better.
Idioms for Best Friends
1. Joined at the hip
Meaning: Two people who are always together.
Example: Lily and Ava are joined at the hip; they do everything together. / My cousin and I are joined at the hip in summer break.
Put Differently: They are never apart. / Always spending time together.
2. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar or close friends.
Example: Ben and Jack are like two peas in a pod they like the same games. / My best friend and I are two peas in a pod at school.
Put Differently: They are so alike. / They stick together.
3. Thick as thieves
Meaning: Very close and share everything.
Example: Emily and Mia are thick as thieves they tell each other everything. / We’ve been thick as thieves since second grade.
Put Differently: They trust each other a lot. / Always sharing secrets.
4. BFFs (Best Friends Forever)
Meaning: Friends who plan to stay close forever.
Example: We gave each other bracelets that say BFFs. / My BFF knows me better than anyone.
Put Differently: They are best friends for life. / Always there for each other.
5. Get along like a house on fire
Meaning: Become friends very quickly.
Example: I met Mia at camp, and we got along like a house on fire. / They became friends on the first day and were laughing right away.
Put Differently: They clicked right away. / Became fast friends.
6. Birds of a feather
Meaning: People who are similar like to stay together.
Example: Mark and Luke are birds of a feather—they both love soccer. / We are birds of a feather when it comes to reading.
Put Differently: They enjoy the same things. / They’re alike.
7. Shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who listens when you’re sad.
Example: After my bad day, Sarah was a shoulder to cry on. / I try to be a shoulder to cry on when my friend is upset.
Put Differently: Someone who helps you feel better. / A caring friend.
8. Through thick and thin
Meaning: Staying friends in good and bad times.
Example: We stayed friends through thick and thin—even when I moved. / She’s always there for me through thick and thin.
Put Differently: Always supporting each other. / Sticking together no matter what.
9. A friend in need is a friend indeed
Meaning: A true friend helps when times are hard.
Example: When I was sick, Sam brought me homework. A friend in need is a friend indeed. / She stayed with me after I fell—what a true friend.
Put Differently: Real friends help you when it matters. / You see who cares during tough times.
10. Hit it off
Meaning: To become friends quickly.
Example: We hit it off during the school trip. / I hit it off with my new neighbor right away.
Put Differently: Became friends fast. / Got along right away.
11. Have each other’s backs
Meaning: To support and protect each other.
Example: We always have each other’s backs in class. / My best friend has my back when I need help.
Put Differently: We stand up for each other. / We look out for one another.
12. Like family
Meaning: Friends who feel like brothers or sisters.
Example: My best friend is like family. / I go to their house so much, I feel like part of the family.
Put Differently: So close they’re almost family. / More than just a friend.
13. Besties
Meaning: Another way to say best friends.
Example: We’ve been besties since preschool. / My bestie and I made friendship bracelets.
Put Differently: Close friends. / Very good friends.
14. Inseparable
Meaning: Can’t be apart.
Example: We’re inseparable, we do everything together. / After school, we’re always hanging out.
Put Differently: Always together. / Hard to keep apart.
15. Know someone inside out
Meaning: Know everything about a friend.
Example: I know my best friend inside out—she doesn’t even have to tell me how she feels. / We know each other inside out from spending so much time together.
Put Differently: Know them really well. / Understand them deeply.
16. On the same wavelength
Meaning: Think the same way.
Example: We don’t even have to explain things—we’re on the same wavelength. / My friend and I say the same things at the same time!
Put Differently: Think alike. / Same thoughts.
17. Have a blast
Meaning: Have a lot of fun together.
Example: We had a blast at the sleepover. / Playing tag after school was a blast.
Put Differently: Had tons of fun. / Laughed and played together.
18. Match made in heaven
Meaning: A perfect friendship.
Example: We’re a match made in heaven—we never fight. / Our team project worked so well because we’re a match made in heaven.
Put Differently: We fit perfectly. / Great friends.
19. Build each other up
Meaning: Give each other confidence.
Example: My best friend builds me up when I’m feeling down. / We build each other up before a big test.
Put Differently: Help each other feel strong. / Encourage one another.
20. Trust like no other
Meaning: Strong trust between friends.
Example: I trust my best friend like no other. / We can tell each other anything.
Put Differently: Complete trust. / Always honest and open.
21. Partners in crime
Meaning: Two close friends who do everything together, often playfully.
Example: We’re partners in crime on the playground. / My sister and I are partners in crime during holidays.
Put Differently: Always doing fun things together. / Sticking together like a team.
22. Like glue
Meaning: Always sticking together.
Example: Me and my best friend are like glue at school. / At lunch, we’re like glue never apart.
Put Differently: Always close. / Never leave each other.
23. Like two puzzle pieces
Meaning: Fit together perfectly.
Example: We’re like two puzzle pieces—we get each other. / Our ideas fit like puzzle pieces.
Put Differently: We work well together. / We fit together just right.
24. Laugh till your stomach hurts
Meaning: Have so much fun laughing with a friend.
Example: We laugh till our stomachs hurt during sleepovers. / At recess, we couldn’t stop laughing.
Put Differently: Laughing a lot with a friend. / Having so much fun together.
25. Like peanut butter and jelly
Meaning: Go well together.
Example: Me and my friend are like peanut butter and jelly—we belong together. / We work like peanut butter and jelly in projects.
Put Differently: A perfect pair. / Always go together.
26. Finish each other’s sentences
Meaning: Know what the other person is thinking.
Example: We always finish each other’s sentences! / My best friend says what I was about to say.
Put Differently: Think alike. / Know each other well.
27. Tell it like it is
Meaning: Be honest with each other.
Example: She tells it like it is when I need advice. / A true friend tells me the truth.
Put Differently: Always honest. / Says what’s real.
28. Make each other better
Meaning: Help each other grow.
Example: We help each other with homework—we make each other better. / She pushes me to do my best.
Put Differently: Help each other improve. / Become better friends and people.
29. Cheer each other on
Meaning: Support each other.
Example: We cheer each other on during sports. / My best friend cheers me on at talent shows.
Put Differently: Always supporting. / Give encouragement.
30. Stay true
Meaning: Always loyal to each other.
Example: My best friend stays true even when things are hard. / I stay true to her no matter what.
Put Differently: Loyal friend. / Always there.
31. Walk through fire
Meaning: Will do anything for a friend.
Example: I’d walk through fire for my best friend. / He helped me even when it was hard.
Put Differently: Always there no matter what. / Very loyal.
32. Speak the same language
Meaning: Understand each other easily.
Example: We speak the same language when we joke around. / We don’t even need to explain things.
Put Differently: Understand each other well. / Think the same way
33. Laugh at the same jokes
Meaning: Share the same sense of humor. Example: We laugh at the same jokes all the time. / Nobody else thinks it’s funny, but we do.
Put Differently: Same kind of funny. / Laugh at the same things.
34. Loyal to the core
Meaning: Very faithful and true.
Example: She is loyal to the core—she always defends me. / Even when others leave, he stays.
Put Differently: Always stand by you. / Very loyal friend.
35. Know all your secrets
Meaning: Very close friends who share everything.
Example: My best friend knows all my secrets. / I can trust her with anything.
Put Differently: Share everything. / Total trust.
36. Like sunshine on a cloudy day
Meaning: Brings joy and comfort.
Example: My best friend is like sunshine on a cloudy day. / When I’m sad, she cheers me up.
Put Differently: Makes you feel better. / Brings happiness.
37. True blue friend
Meaning: Honest and loyal friend.
Example: My best friend is a true blue friend. / He’s always been there for me.
Put Differently: Honest and faithful. / A real friend.
38. As close as it gets
Meaning: Extremely close friendship.
Example: We’re as close as it gets—we even text during dinner. / I tell her everything.
Put Differently: Super close friends. / Always together.
39. One call away
Meaning: Always ready to help.
Example: She’s always one call away if I need anything. / I know I can count on him.
Put Differently: Always there when you need them. / Just ask, and they’ll help.
40. Ride or die
Meaning: A best friend who stays with you no matter what.
Example: He’s my ride or die—we stick together forever. / She’s been with me through it all.
Put Differently: Always loyal. / Will never leave you behind.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity: Idioms for Best Friends
Below are 10 simple sentences about best friends. Rewrite each one using an idiom from the list above
Sentences to Rewrite
- My friend and I are always together at school.
- We became best friends very fast.
- She helps me when I feel sad.
- He supports me during soccer games.
- I can tell her anything.
- We never fight and always laugh.
- We help each other do better in class.
- I always trust my friend.
- My best friend and I are super close.
- He always makes me smile when I’m down.
Answer Key
- My friend and I are joined at the hip at school.
- We hit it off right away.
- She is always a shoulder to cry on.
- He cheers me on during soccer games.
- I can tell her all my secrets.
- We’re two peas in a pod and laugh all the time.
- We build each other up in class.
- I trust my friend like no other.
- We are as close as it gets.
- He’s like sunshine on a cloudy day.
Conclusion
Friends make our lives better. Idioms help us talk about those special friendships in fun ways. They make our words feel warmer and more real. Whether it’s being “joined at the hip” or “a shoulder to cry on,” each idiom tells a story about caring, trust, and fun.
The more we use these phrases, the better we can show how much our friends mean to us. Keep learning and practicing. You’ll soon use these expressions in everyday conversations without even thinking. Good friends are worth talking about—and now you know many great ways to do that.
