50 Idioms for Close Friends (Meanings & Examples)

Idioms are special phrases where the words together mean something different from what they mean on their own. People use them to make talking and writing more colorful and fun. In this article, you will learn fifty useful idioms that relate to close friends and special relationships.

In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean having a strong friendship, being loyal pals, and getting along really well. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Close Friends

1. Thick as thieves

Definition: Being extremely close and sharing secrets with each other.

Used in a Sentence: The two best friends were thick as thieves and shared all their secrets. / Ever since kindergarten, those two have been thick as thieves.

Similar Expressions: Inseparable / Very close

2. Best buds

Definition: Two people who are very close friends.

Used in a Sentence: Tom and Leo became best buds after playing on the same soccer team. / She and her neighbor are best buds who walk to school together.

Similar Expressions: Best friends / Close pals

3. Soul mate

Definition: A person ideally suited to another as a close friend or partner.

Used in a Sentence: She found her true soul mate when she met someone who loved the exact same books. / They felt like soul mates from the moment they started talking.

Similar Expressions: Kindred spirit / Perfect match

4. Birds of a feather

Definition: People who are very similar in character, interests, or background.

Used in a Sentence: Since both boys love drawing comics, they are truly birds of a feather. / The sisters are birds of a feather because they both love baking pies.

Similar Expressions: Alike / Similar

5. Hip and thigh

Definition: Working or staying very close together as a loyal team. (Note: Often linked to moving closely side by side).

Used in a Sentence: N/A / N/A

Similar Expressions: Side by side / Close partners

6. Two peas in a pod

Definition: Two people who are extremely similar or always together.

Used in a Sentence: The twins are like two peas in a pod, wearing matching shirts every day. / Those two friends are two peas in a pod because they always order the same ice cream.

Similar Expressions: Inseparable / Identical

7. Joined at the hip

Definition: Spending all your time together and never wanting to be apart.

Used in a Sentence: Ever since they won the science fair, those two girls have been joined at the hip. / You rarely see one brother without the other because they are joined at the hip.

Similar Expressions: Inseparable / Always together

8. Ride or die

Definition: A loyal friend who will support you through any tough situation.

Used in a Sentence: He knew his best friend was a true ride or die when he helped him move across town. / You need a ride or die friend who will stand by you when things get hard.

Similar Expressions: Loyal friend / Faithful companion

9. Right-hand man

Definition: A person’s most trusted and helpful assistant or companion.

Used in a Sentence: Mark was the team captain’s right-hand man during every tournament. / She became her mother’s right-hand man in the kitchen during the holidays.

Similar Expressions: Chief assistant / Trusted helper

10. Shoulder to cry on

Definition: A supportive friend who listens and comforts you when you are sad.

Used in a Sentence: When she failed her test, her best friend was a reliable shoulder to cry on. / It is wonderful to have a shoulder to cry on when things do not go your way.

Similar Expressions: Comforting friend / Good listener

11. Kindred spirit

Definition: Someone who shares your attitudes, feelings, or goals.

Used in a Sentence: She met a kindred spirit at camp who loved poetry just as much as she did. / Finding a kindred spirit makes you feel understood and happy.

Similar Expressions: Like-minded person / Soul mate

12. Close knit

Definition: A group of friends or family members who are very close and supportive.

Used in a Sentence: Our group of neighborhood friends is a close knit circle that helps each other out. / They formed a close knit club to share their love of painting.

Similar Expressions: Tightly bound / Close

13. My anchor

Definition: A friend who keeps you steady, calm, and secure during difficult times.

Used in a Sentence: When everything felt chaotic, her best friend was her anchor. / He thanked his buddy for being his anchor through middle school.

Similar Expressions: Steady support / Source of strength

14. Old chum

Definition: A friend whom you have known for a very long time.

Used in a Sentence: Grandpa met an old chum from college at the grocery store today. / They have been old chums since they built their first treehouse together.

Similar Expressions: Longtime friend / Old pal

15. Inner circle

Definition: A small, exclusive group of close friends or advisors.

Used in a Sentence: Only his inner circle of friends knew about his secret treehouse club. / She welcomed her new neighbor into her inner circle of pals.

Similar Expressions: Close group / Trusted circle

16. Homie

Definition: A close friend or companion from your neighborhood or hometown.

Used in a Sentence: He waved to his old homie from elementary school across the park. / They grew up on the same street and remained loyal homies.

Similar Expressions: Close friend / Buddy

17. Partner in crime

Definition: A close friend who joins you in adventures, mischief, or fun projects.

Used in a Sentence: She and her cousin were partners in crime whenever they baked cookies. / My dog is my favorite partner in crime on our weekend walks.

Similar Expressions: Close companion / Fellow adventurer

18. True blue

Definition: Completely loyal, faithful, and trustworthy as a friend.

Used in a Sentence: You can always count on him because he is a true blue friend. / True blue companions stick with you through good times and bad.

Similar Expressions: Loyal / Faithful

19. Fast friends

Definition: People who become close friends very quickly and remain loyal.

Used in a Sentence: The two new students became fast friends on their very first day of school. / They were fast friends after bonding over their favorite video game.

Similar Expressions: Quick companions / Loyal friends

20. Confidant

Definition: A close friend to whom you tell your secret thoughts and private matters.

Used in a Sentence: Her diary was her quiet confidant for all her big dreams. / He trusted his older brother as a reliable confidant.

Similar Expressions: Trusted friend / Keeper of secrets

21. Boon companion

Definition: A close, cheerful friend who accompanies you on fun outings.

Used in a Sentence: The puppy was his boon companion during every afternoon hike. / They proved to be boon companions on the long summer camping trip.

Similar Expressions: Cheerful pal / Close companion

22. Bosom buddy

Definition: A very close and intimate friend whom you hold dear.

Used in a Sentence: Anne and Diana were bosom buddies who shared all their hopes and dreams. / Finding a bosom buddy makes school much more fun.

Similar Expressions: Dear friend / Close companion

23. Brother from another mother

Definition: A male friend with whom you share a bond as close as brothers.

Used in a Sentence: Even though they are not related, Leo calls his best friend his brother from another mother. / They act like brothers because they are a brother from another mother.

Similar Expressions: Close friend like family / Chosen brother

24. Sister from another mister

Definition: A female friend with whom you share a bond as close as sisters.

Used in a Sentence: Mia and Chloe do everything together like sisters from another mister. / She introduced her best friend as her sister from another mister.

Similar Expressions: Close friend like family / Chosen sister

25. Companion in arms

Definition: A friend who fights alongside you to overcome a difficult challenge.

Used in a Sentence: They were companions in arms while studying hard for final exams. / Teammates become companions in arms when working toward a championship.

Similar Expressions: Ally / Partner in struggle

26. Backbone

Definition: A supportive friend who gives you strength and courage.

Used in a Sentence: Her best friend was her backbone when she had to give a speech. / Having a strong friend as your backbone helps you face your fears.

Similar Expressions: Support system / Source of strength

27. My rock

Definition: A dependable and strong friend who supports you through hard times.

Used in a Sentence: When things got tough, her best friend was her rock. / He relied on his partner as his rock during the move.

Similar Expressions: Dependable friend / Steady support

28. Close as paper to the wall

Definition: Being exceptionally close and attached to someone. (Note: A regional way to express tight companionship).

Used in a Sentence: N/A / N/A

Similar Expressions: Very close / Inseparable

29. Familiar face

Definition: A friendly person you know well in a crowd or new place.

Used in a Sentence: Seeing a familiar face in the new classroom made her feel much better. / It was nice to spot a familiar face at the science fair.

Similar Expressions: Known friend / Friendly presence

30. Safe harbor

Definition: A friend or place that offers comfort, protection, and peace.

Used in a Sentence: Her grandmother’s house was a safe harbor after a long school week. / His best friend offered a safe harbor to talk about his worries.

Similar Expressions: Comfort zone / Place of peace

31. Fam

Definition: Short for family, used to describe close friends who feel like family.

Used in a Sentence: He thanked his squad of friends, calling them his ultimate fam. / We treat our hiking group like true fam.

Similar Expressions: Family / Close crew

32. Ride-or-die crew

Definition: A group of close friends who are fiercely loyal to one another.

Used in a Sentence: Her ride-or-die crew helped her set up her art show. / You can count on his ride-or-die crew to show up when needed.

Similar Expressions: Loyal group / Close circle

33. Main squeeze

Definition: A primary romantic partner or close favorite companion. (Note: Often used for romantic partners, but fits close companionship).

Used in a Sentence: N/A / N/A

Similar Expressions: Partner / Best friend

34. Close personal friend

Definition: A friend with whom you share a deep, direct, and personal bond.

Used in a Sentence: He considered the author of the book a close personal friend after meeting him. / She is a close personal friend who visits every weekend.

Similar Expressions: Dear friend / Trusted companion

35. Tight group

Definition: A circle of friends who share a strong and loyal bond.

Used in a Sentence: Their tight group of four studied together every single afternoon. / Joining a tight group of musicians made practice fun.

Similar Expressions: Close circle / United team

36. Cheerleader

Definition: A supportive friend who encourages you to succeed.

Used in a Sentence: Her mom was her biggest cheerleader during the spelling bee. / My best friend acts as my personal cheerleader when I try new things.

Similar Expressions: Supporter / Encourager

37. Partner

Definition: A companion who shares activities, games, or life with you.

Used in a Sentence: He picked his best friend to be his science lab partner. / They were dancing partners for the school talent show.

Similar Expressions: Companion / Teammate

38. Confessor

Definition: A trusted friend who listens to your secrets and troubles.

Used in a Sentence: She acted as a kind confessor when her friend felt nervous. / He needed a quiet confessor to listen to his worries.

Similar Expressions: Listener / Trusted pal

39. Reliable pal

Definition: A friendly companion you can always depend on.

Used in a Sentence: He is a reliable pal who helps you fix your bike when it breaks. / You always want a reliable pal by your side on field trips.

Similar Expressions: Dependable friend / Trustworthy buddy

40. Trusted ally

Definition: A friend who supports you in achieving goals or facing challenges.

Used in a Sentence: They became trusted allies during the school debate competition. / Having a trusted ally makes hard projects much easier.

Similar Expressions: Supporter / Partner

41. Companion of my heart

Definition: A deeply cherished and beloved close friend.

Used in a Sentence: She called her lifelong dog the true companion of her heart. / He considered his grandfather the companion of his heart.

Similar Expressions: Dearest friend / Beloved pal

42. Friendly ear

Definition: A sympathetic friend who is ready to listen to your problems.

Used in a Sentence: Whenever I feel sad, my older sister lends a friendly ear. / It helps to find a friendly ear when you are having a tough day.

Similar Expressions: Good listener / Supportive friend

43. Chosen family

Definition: Friends you choose to love and treat as closely as family members.

Used in a Sentence: Over the years, his college roommates became his chosen family. / She celebrated the holidays with her wonderful chosen family of friends.

Similar Expressions: Close friends like family / Inner circle

44. Mutual admirer

Definition: A friend who shares a deep and respectful appreciation with you.

Used in a Sentence: The two artists were mutual admirers of each other’s paintings. / They were mutual admirers who encouraged each other’s writing.

Similar Expressions: Respectful friend / Supporter

45. Companion for life

Definition: A friend who stays by your side throughout your entire life journey.

Used in a Sentence: They promised to be companions for life after graduating together. / Her loyal cat was a faithful companion for life.

Similar Expressions: Lifelong friend / Permanent pal

46. Soul sister

Definition: A female friend with whom you share a deep spiritual and emotional bond.

Used in a Sentence: After talking all night at sleepaway camp, they knew they were soul sisters. / She found a soul sister who shared all her favorite hobbies.

Similar Expressions: Kindred spirit / Close female friend

47. Soul brother

Definition: A male friend with whom you share a deep bond of understanding.

Used in a Sentence: They called each other soul brothers because they thought alike on everything. / Finding a soul brother made high school much easier.

Similar Expressions: Kindred spirit / Close male friend

48. Constant companion

Definition: A friend or pet that is always right by your side.

Used in a Sentence: His small terrier was his constant companion on every walk. / Her notebook remained her constant companion for writing poems.

Similar Expressions: Faithful friend / Everyday buddy

49. Trusted confidante

Definition: A female close friend who keeps your secrets safe.

Used in a Sentence: She shared her biggest dream with her trusted confidante. / You need a trusted confidante to talk through hard choices.

Similar Expressions: Secret keeper / Close female friend

50. Hand and glove

Definition: Working together in close harmony and complete understanding.

Used in a Sentence: The two business partners worked hand and glove to open their bakery. / The friends worked hand and glove to organize the charity event.

Similar Expressions: Closely united / In harmony

Exercise to Practice

1. Tom and Leo became best buds after playing on opposite teams in different countries.
2. Ever since kindergarten, those two have been thick as thieves and shared all their secrets.
3. She found her true soul mate when she met someone who loved the exact same books.
4. The twins are like two peas in a pod, wearing matching shirts every day.
5. He knew his best friend was a true ride or die when he refused to speak to him for a year.
6. She met a kindred spirit at camp who loved poetry just as much as she did.
7. When she failed her test, her best friend was a reliable shoulder to cry on.
8. They have been old chums since they built their first treehouse together.
9. My dog is my favorite partner in crime on our weekend walks to the park.
10. The two new students became fast friends on their very first day of school.
11. Even though they are not related, Leo calls his best friend his brother from another mother.
12. Her grandmother’s house was a safe harbor after a long and tiring school week.
13. He picked his best friend to be his science lab partner for the class project.
14. Over the years, his college roommates became his chosen family.
15. The two friends worked hand and glove to organize the community yard sale.

Answer Key

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. True
10. True
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. True
15. True

Conclusion

Learning idioms about close friends helps you describe special relationships in fun and creative ways. These expressions add warmth to your stories and make everyday conversations much more lively.

Try using one of these friendship idioms when talking about your best pal or writing a story about characters who help each other. You will see how easy and fun it is to bring your descriptions to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for close friends?

Some of the most common idioms for close friends include thick as thieves, two peas in a pod, and shoulder to cry on. People use these phrases every day to describe loyal pals and strong relationships.

Why do we use idioms in English?

Idioms make our language more expressive and colorful instead of relying only on plain literal words. They help us paint a clear mental picture of how much people care about each other.

How can I remember friendship idioms?

The best way to remember these idioms is to use them when talking about your favorite people or characters in books. Connecting a phrase to a real friendship makes it much easier to recall.

Are idioms used in formal writing?

Idioms are best suited for casual speaking, storytelling, and creative writing rather than strict scientific reports. Using them in stories makes your characters feel warm, realistic, and relatable.

Do all languages have idioms about friendship?

Most languages have unique expressions to describe close bonds and loyal companionships. While the words are different, the idea of celebrating good friends with fun phrases is universal.