If you’re a regular reader of the Intrepid English Blog, you may have read some of our previous idioms posts. Idioms are a great way to make your English sound more advanced, as well as improving your cultural understanding. On our YouTube channel, you will also find lots of videos from Kate R where she explains some of her favourite idioms.
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore some idioms you can use to describe relationships, both good and bad. For more romantic idioms, we suggest checking out our Valentine’s Day Love Idioms post!
Positive idioms to talk about relationships
Get on like a house on fire
People who get on extremely well get on like a house on fire. They may spend lots of time chatting enthusiastically.
Juan and Pedro met for the first time at the Christmas party and got on like a house on fire! They are going to play golf together next weekend.
Be on the same page
We often use this in a business setting to describe having the same opinion or understanding of a situation.
I would like to have a team meeting tomorrow morning just to make sure we are all on the same page about where we’re going with this new marketing campaign.
Thick as thieves
To be thick as thieves with someone means to have an extremely close relationship. You feel safe and comfortable in their presence, and perhaps they know your deepest, darkest secrets!
My best friend and I have known each other since primary school. We are thick as thieves.
Cut from the same cloth
If you are cut from the same cloth as someone it means that you are extremely similar to them in your personality, values and interests. Another way to say this is to be ‘like two peas in a pod.’
I got on very well with Valentina when I met her last week. I think we are cut from the same cloth.
Negative idioms to talk about relationships
Fight like cat and dog
Two people who fight a lot, often in an aggressive or intense way, fight like cat and dog.
My sister and I used to fight like cat and dog when we were younger. Now that we’re adults we get on a little better.
Not see eye to eye
When you don’t agree with someone, or don’t see things in the same way as them, we can say that you don’t see eye to eye.
My father and I have very opposing political views. Unfortunately we don’t see eye to eye on many things.
Like chalk and cheese
We use this idiom to describe two people who are polar opposites. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t get on well with each other, just that they are very different people.
Despite the fact they are twins, my brothers are like chalk and cheese. They have very different interests.
Butt heads with someone
To butt heads with someone doesn’t mean that you physically butt heads together (like rams or sheep who are fighting), but it means that you argue and disagree strongly with someone.
There was a drunken misunderstanding and the two men were kicked out of the bar for butting heads.
So, there you have several idioms you can use the next time you talk about relationships in English. Which one was your favourite? Is there someone in your life who you are always butting heads with? Is there someone who you get on like a house on fire with? Let us know in the comments.
Intrepid English members can study English idioms in more detail with our extensive Essential English Idioms course in the Intrepid English Academy!
If you enjoyed these idioms you’ll also love our free eBook of Essential English Idioms! Learn twenty-five essential English idioms for all occasions and test your understanding with practice activities. Download your copy right here.
