Relationships are complex and multifaceted, involving various emotions and dynamics. Idioms can provide insightful and colorful ways to describe these interactions. Here are 20 idioms that vividly capture different aspects of relationships.
Idioms That Describe Relationships
1. Thick as thieves
Meaning: Very close friends.
Example: They’re thick as thieves.
2. Joined at the hip
Meaning: Inseparably close.
Example: They are joined at the hip.
3. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: Similar people group together.
Example: They’re birds of a feather.
4. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: Friend only during good times.
Example: He’s a fair-weather friend.
5. Burn bridges
Meaning: Permanently damage relationships.
Example: She tends to burn bridges.
6. Cross the bridge when you come to it
Meaning: Deal with problems later.
Example: We’ll cross that bridge later.
7. Mend fences
Meaning: Improve strained relations.
Example: They’re mending fences now.
8. On the rocks
Meaning: In serious trouble.
Example: Their marriage is on the rocks.
9. A match made in heaven
Meaning: Perfect relationship.
Example: They’re a heavenly match.
10. Break the ice
Meaning: Reduce tension.
Example: He broke the ice nicely.
11. Through thick and thin
Meaning: In all situations.
Example: Friends through thick and thin.
12. Build bridges
Meaning: Foster good relationships.
Example: Let’s build bridges here.
13. At loggerheads
Meaning: Constantly arguing.
Example: They’re always at loggerheads.
14. Tie the knot
Meaning: Get married.
Example: They finally tied the knot.
15. Walk on eggshells
Meaning: Be overly careful.
Example: He walks on eggshells.
16. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: Make peace.
Example: They buried the hatchet.
17. Kiss and make up
Meaning: Reconcile after a fight.
Example: They kissed and made up.
18. Play second fiddle
Meaning: Be less important.
Example: He plays second fiddle.
19. Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: Overwork, affecting relationships.
Example: She burns the candle.
20. Rock the boat
Meaning: Cause disturbances.
Example: Don’t rock the boat.
