- Who do you call when you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to have your back?
- Friends are one of life’s greatest treasures, so use these phrases to show your appreciation for people who have stuck with you through thick and thin
With a reliable pal by your side, anything feels possible. Photo: ShutterstockWelcome back to school! The start of the academic year is always exciting as we can finally see our friends again after the long summer break and greet new faces in class.
From old friends who stick together through thick and thin to new people who get on like a house on fire, here are 11 English idioms to help you describe your friendships.
1. A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: a person who gives sympathy and support
Example: Gary is a good listener who always offers his friends a shoulder to cry on.
2. Be as thick as thieves
Meaning: to be very close friends who share secrets
Example: Anne and Sarah are thick as thieves, and they keep no secrets from each other.
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3. Birds of a feather
Meaning: people who have very similar characteristics, interests or beliefs
Example: Liana and Mary are birds of a feather since they both like Shakespeare’s classics.
4. Build bridges
Meaning: to foster good relationships
Example: On the first day of school, the teacher introduced an ice-breaking game to build bridges with his new students.
5. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: to end a quarrel or conflict and become friendly again
Example: After not speaking to each other for years, Joanna and her sister decided to bury the hatchet.
6. Get on like a house on fire
Meaning: to like each other very much and become friends very quickly
Example: At the party, Tony and David got on like a house on fire and became friends.
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7. Have got someone’s back
Meaning: to be ready to support or defend someone
Example: Don’t worry, Tom! I’ve got your back and we will overcome this challenge together.
8. Hit it off
Meaning: to be friendly with each other immediately
Example: Having so much in common, the two students hit it off right away on their first meeting.
9. Like two peas in a pod
Meaning: two people who are very similar in interests, actions or appearances
Example: Mia and Sheryl are childhood friends who share the same hobbies and interests. Like two peas in a pod, they always stick together.
10. Speak the same language
Meaning: to understand each other very well because you share similar opinions or interests
Example: Though Jane and Wally come from different cultures, they speak the same language when it comes to music.
11. Through thick and thin
Meaning: support each other in good and bad times, or do something against all odds, under any circumstances
Example: During their decade of marriage, the couple stuck together through thick and thin, giving each other unconditional support.