Idioms are vibrant, figurative expressions that add a splash of color and depth to our conversations, making them more engaging and heartfelt, especially when talking about the special bond we share with our best friends. These phrases capture the essence of friendship—loyalty, trust, joy, and even the occasional quirkiness—in ways that plain words often cannot. In this comprehensive listicle, we’ll explore 48 idioms that beautifully describe the unique relationship with a best friend, breaking down their meanings and showing how they can bring warmth and charm to your discussions about your closest companion. So, let’s dive into the first chunk of this exciting journey through idioms, celebrating the one-of-a-kind connection you share with your best friend.
Idioms for Best Friend
1. Thick as Thieves
Meaning: Describes two people who are extremely close, sharing secrets and a bond so tight that they’re practically inseparable, often with a hint of mischievous camaraderie.
In a Sentence: Ever since they met in grade school, Sarah and Emma have been thick as thieves, always planning adventures and sharing every little secret.
2. A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed
Meaning: A true friend is someone who stands by you and offers help when you’re facing challenges or difficult times, proving their loyalty through actions.
In a Sentence: When I lost my job unexpectedly, my best friend was there to support me emotionally and financially, truly proving that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
3. Like Two Peas in a Pod
Meaning: Refers to two friends who are so similar in personality, habits, or interests that they seem almost identical and are always together.
In a Sentence: With their matching sense of humor and love for late-night movie marathons, Jake and Liam are like two peas in a pod, rarely seen apart.
4. Ride or Die
Meaning: A friend who is fiercely loyal and will stick with you through any situation, no matter how tough, dangerous, or challenging it may be.
In a Sentence: When I was going through a messy breakup, my best friend was my ride or die, staying up all night to listen and helping me rebuild my confidence.
5. Joined at the Hip
Meaning: Describes two friends who are so close that they’re almost always together, sharing nearly every moment and experience.
In a Sentence: You can’t invite one without the other because Mia and Chloe are joined at the hip, always spotted laughing together at every event.
6. Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Meaning: Suggests that people with similar interests, values, or personalities naturally gravitate toward each other and form strong friendships.
In a Sentence: It’s no surprise that Alex and Taylor became best friends, as their shared passion for hiking and photography proves that birds of a feather flock together.
7. Through Thick and Thin
Meaning: A friend who remains loyal and supportive during both the good times and the bad, no matter what challenges arise.
In a Sentence: Over the years, my best friend has been with me through thick and thin, celebrating my successes and comforting me during my lowest moments.
8. The Apple of My Eye
Meaning: Refers to someone who is cherished and adored above all others, often used to express deep affection for a best friend.
In a Sentence: My best friend, with her infectious laughter and kind heart, is truly the apple of my eye, making every moment we spend together unforgettable.
9. In the Same Boat
Meaning: Describes friends who are facing the same challenges or circumstances, creating a sense of shared understanding and solidarity.
In a Sentence: When we both struggled with our new jobs, my best friend and I were in the same boat, supporting each other through every stressful day.
10. A Shoulder to Cry On
Meaning: A friend who offers emotional support and comfort, especially during times of sadness or distress, always ready to listen.
In a Sentence: After my pet passed away, my best friend was there as a shoulder to cry on, patiently listening to my grief and offering words of solace.
11. Cut from the Same Cloth
Meaning: Friends who share similar characteristics, values, or ways of thinking, as if they were made from the same material.
In a Sentence: With their identical love for spicy food and spontaneous road trips, it’s clear that Sam and Riley are cut from the same cloth.
12. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: A friend who consistently puts in extra effort to help or make you happy, going beyond what’s expected.
In a Sentence: When I was sick, my best friend went the extra mile, not only bringing me soup but also tidying my apartment to cheer me up.
13. Heart of Gold
Meaning: Describes a friend who is kind, generous, and compassionate, always putting others’ needs before their own.
In a Sentence: My best friend has a heart of gold, always volunteering to help others and making sure everyone feels included and valued.
14. Know Like the Back of My Hand
Meaning: To be so familiar with someone that you understand their habits, preferences, and quirks completely.
In a Sentence: After years of friendship, I know my best friend like the back of my hand, from her favorite coffee order to her pet peeves.
15. Salt of the Earth
Meaning: A friend who is genuine, dependable, and down-to-earth, embodying honesty and integrity in all they do.
In a Sentence: My best friend is the salt of the earth, always keeping her promises and offering practical advice without any pretense.
16. Give the Shirt Off Their Back
Meaning: A friend who is selfless and willing to sacrifice their own comfort or resources to help you in times of need.
In a Sentence: When I was short on rent, my best friend would’ve given the shirt off her back, offering to cover the difference without hesitation.
17. Two Sides of the Same Coin
Meaning: Friends who may seem different on the surface but share core similarities that make their bond unbreakable.
In a Sentence: Though one is outgoing and the other reserved, my best friend and I are two sides of the same coin, united by our love for deep conversations.
18. Hit It Off
Meaning: To instantly connect and form a strong bond with someone, often from the moment you meet.
In a Sentence: From the first day we met at camp, my best friend and I hit it off, talking for hours like we’d known each other forever.
19. Back-to-Back
Meaning: Friends who stand by each other loyally, ready to support or defend one another in any situation.
In a Sentence: In every argument or challenge, my best friend and I stand back-to-back, always having each other’s backs no matter what.
20. Hand in Glove
Meaning: Describes friends who work together seamlessly, with a natural synergy that makes their collaboration effortless.
In a Sentence: Planning our group’s annual trip is a breeze because my best friend and I work hand in glove, dividing tasks perfectly.
21. A Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A friendship so perfect and harmonious that it feels destined or divinely orchestrated.
In a Sentence: With our shared love for art and endless laughter, my best friend and I are a match made in heaven, always uplifting each other.
22. Tie That Binds
Meaning: The special connection or shared experience that keeps friends closely united, often despite challenges or distance.
In a Sentence: Even though we live in different cities now, our shared memories from college are the tie that binds my best friend and me.
23. Got Your Back
Meaning: A friend who is always there to support, protect, or defend you, no matter the circumstances.
In a Sentence: When I was nervous about my big presentation, my best friend reassured me, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
24. Kindred Spirits
Meaning: Friends who share a deep, almost soulful connection, understanding each other on an instinctive level.
In a Sentence: From our shared dreams to our unspoken understanding, my best friend and I are kindred spirits, always on the same wavelength.
25. Inseparable as Shadow and Light
Meaning: Describes friends who are so closely bonded that they are always together, complementing each other perfectly like shadow and light.
In a Sentence: Wherever you see one, the other is never far behind, as Sophie and Ava are inseparable as shadow and light, always completing each other’s thoughts.
26. A Tower of Strength
Meaning: A friend who provides unwavering support and stability, especially during tough times, acting as a reliable pillar.
In a Sentence: When my family faced a crisis, my best friend was a tower of strength, offering practical help and emotional reassurance every step of the way.
27. Peas and Carrots
Meaning: Refers to friends who go together perfectly, their personalities or habits blending harmoniously like a classic food pairing.
In a Sentence: With their shared love for vintage fashion and jazz music, Ellie and Noah are like peas and carrots, always in sync and delightful together.
28. Keep Each Other’s Secrets
Meaning: Friends who trust each other completely, safeguarding personal confidences and never betraying that trust.
In a Sentence: No matter how juicy the gossip, my best friend and I always keep each other’s secrets, our trust forming the foundation of our friendship.
29. On the Same Page
Meaning: Friends who share the same understanding, goals, or perspectives, making their interactions smooth and effortless.
In a Sentence: Planning our dream vacation was easy because my best friend and I were on the same page, both craving a beach getaway with plenty of relaxation.
30. A Rock in a Storm
Meaning: A friend who remains calm, dependable, and supportive, providing stability during chaotic or difficult situations.
In a Sentence: When I was overwhelmed with work deadlines, my best friend was a rock in a storm, helping me stay grounded and focused.
31. Thick and Thin
Meaning: A friend who stays loyal through all circumstances, whether life is smooth or filled with challenges.
In a Sentence: From celebrating my promotions to comforting me during heartbreak, my best friend has been with me through thick and thin, never wavering.
32. The Glue That Holds Us Together
Meaning: A friend who plays a central role in maintaining a group’s unity or strengthening a bond, keeping everyone connected.
In a Sentence: In our friend group, my best friend is the glue that holds us together, always organizing get-togethers and smoothing over any conflicts.
33. Laughing Until Our Sides Split
Meaning: Friends who share so much joy and humor that they often find themselves laughing uncontrollably together.
In a Sentence: Every time we reminisce about our high school pranks, my best friend and I end up laughing until our sides split, tears streaming down our faces.
34. A Port in a Storm
Meaning: A friend who offers a safe haven or comfort during turbulent or distressing times, providing refuge and peace.
In a Sentence: When I was dealing with family drama, my best friend was a port in a storm, inviting me over for a quiet evening of tea and conversation.
35. Chip Off the Old Block
Meaning: Friends who are so similar in behavior or personality that one seems like a reflection or extension of the other.
In a Sentence: With their identical sarcastic wit and love for sci-fi novels, it’s no wonder people say my best friend and I are a chip off the old block.
36. Two of a Kind
Meaning: Friends who are remarkably similar in their traits, interests, or quirks, making them a perfect pair.
In a Sentence: Both obsessed with baking and binge-watching reality TV, my best friend and I are two of a kind, always planning our next dessert masterpiece.
37. Weather the Storm Together
Meaning: Friends who face challenges or hardships side by side, supporting each other to overcome difficulties.
In a Sentence: When we both failed our first driving test, my best friend and I vowed to weather the storm together, practicing until we both passed.
38. The Wind Beneath My Wings
Meaning: A friend who inspires, supports, and uplifts you, helping you soar to new heights with their encouragement.
In a Sentence: My best friend is the wind beneath my wings, always pushing me to chase my dreams and believing in me when I doubt myself.
39. Like Family
Meaning: A friend who is so close and trusted that they feel like a member of your family, sharing a deep emotional bond.
In a Sentence: After years of shared holidays and heartfelt talks, my best friend is like family, always welcome at our table like a sibling.
40. In Tune with Each Other
Meaning: Friends who understand each other so well that they seem to share the same thoughts or feelings without needing words.
In a Sentence: We don’t even need to speak to know what the other is thinking; my best friend and I are so in tune with each other, it’s almost magical.
41. A Lifeline
Meaning: A friend who provides critical support or help, acting as a vital source of strength in times of need.
In a Sentence: When I was struggling with anxiety, my best friend was a lifeline, checking in daily and helping me find resources to cope.
42. Hand in Hand
Meaning: Friends who face life’s challenges or joys together, always united and supportive in their journey.
In a Sentence: Whether we’re tackling a tough project or celebrating a milestone, my best friend and I go hand in hand, making every moment better.
43. Mirror Image
Meaning: Friends who are so alike in appearance, behavior, or attitude that they seem like reflections of each other.
In a Sentence: With our matching hairstyles and identical laughs, people often say my best friend and I are a mirror image of each other.
44. Partners in Crime
Meaning: Friends who team up for fun, mischief, or shared adventures, often with a playful or rebellious spirit.
In a Sentence: From sneaking into concerts to pulling harmless pranks, my best friend and I have always been partners in crime, creating unforgettable memories.
45. One in a Million
Meaning: A friend who is exceptionally unique, special, or irreplaceable, standing out as truly extraordinary.
In a Sentence: With her endless optimism and quirky charm, my best friend is one in a million, making every day brighter just by being herself.
46. The Ying to My Yang
Meaning: Friends who complement each other perfectly, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses like yin and yang.
In a Sentence: I’m the planner, and she’s the spontaneous one; my best friend is the ying to my yang, making our friendship beautifully balanced.
47. Always in My Corner
Meaning: A friend who consistently supports and defends you, standing by your side no matter the situation.
In a Sentence: Even when I made mistakes, my best friend was always in my corner, cheering me on and helping me learn from my errors.
48. Soul Sisters (or Brothers)
Meaning: Friends who share such a deep, almost spiritual connection that they feel like siblings of the soul, bound by love and understanding.
In a Sentence: Through every heartbreak and triumph, my best friend and I have proven we’re soul sisters, connected by an unbreakable bond that transcends time.
Quizzes About The Idioms in The Article
Quiz 1: Thick as Thieves
What does the idiom “Thick as thieves” mean?
a) Friends who are always arguing
b) Friends who are extremely close and share secrets
c) Friends who are distant but polite
d) Friends who compete with each other
Answer: b
Quiz 2: Ride or Die
What is the meaning of “Ride or die”?
a) A friend who avoids challenges
b) A friend who is fiercely loyal through any situation
c) A friend who loves car rides
d) A friend who is unreliable
Answer: b
Quiz 3: A Shoulder to Cry On
When someone is described as “A shoulder to cry on,” what are they offering?
a) Financial advice
b) Emotional support and comfort
c) Practical solutions
d) Humorous distractions
Answer: b
Quiz 4: Heart of Gold
What does the idiom “Heart of gold” suggest about a friend?
a) They are wealthy
b) They are kind and compassionate
c) They are secretive
d) They are competitive
Answer: b
Quiz 5: Got Your Back
What situation is described by the idiom “Got your back”?
a) A friend who ignores you
b) A friend who supports and defends you
c) A friend who challenges you
d) A friend who borrows money
Answer: b
Quiz 6: Kindred Spirits
If friends are “kindred spirits,” what does it mean?
a) They share a deep, soulful connection
b) They have conflicting personalities
c) They are distant acquaintances
d) They compete for attention
Answer: a
Quiz 7: A Tower of Strength
What does the expression “A tower of strength” imply?
a) A friend who is physically strong
b) A friend who provides unwavering support
c) A friend who is unreliable
d) A friend who loves architecture
Answer: b
Quiz 8: Peas and Carrots
When is it appropriate to say friends are like “Peas and carrots”?
a) When they are very different
b) When they go together perfectly
c) When they avoid each other
d) When they are competitive
Answer: b
Quiz 9: The Wind Beneath My Wings
What is the meaning of “The wind beneath my wings”?
a) A friend who holds you back
b) A friend who inspires and uplifts you
c) A friend who loves flying
d) A friend who is indifferent
Answer: b
Quiz 10: Soul Sisters (or Brothers)
When someone calls their friend a “soul sister” or “soul brother,” what are they emphasizing?
a) A casual acquaintance
b) A deep, almost spiritual connection
c) A professional relationship
d) A temporary bond
Answer: b
Conclusion
Idioms are like little gems that sparkle in conversations, transforming ordinary words into vivid expressions of the profound bond shared with a best friend. From describing loyalty and support to capturing the joy and laughter of friendship, these 48 idioms offer a creative way to celebrate the person who knows you best. Whether you’re reminiscing about shared adventures or praising their unwavering presence, sprinkling these idioms into your conversations adds warmth, humor, and a touch of magic to the way you honor your best friend. So, the next time you’re chatting about your closest companion, try using one of these idioms to express just how much they mean to you.