Relationships & People — Idioms
Friends, couples, and families — the social idioms of American life. · 10 idioms · Level B1
birds of a feather
Meaning: people with similar interests and character (who naturally group together)
neutral describing groups of friends
Example: The chess club friends are birds of a feather.
A Those two are inseparable.
B Birds of a feather — both live for hiking.
⚠️ Common mistake: Short for 'birds of a feather flock together' — the short version is common in speech.
thick as thieves
Meaning: very close friends who share everything
informal close friends, siblings
Example: The sisters are thick as thieves — always whispering and laughing.
A Are Ben and Alex close?
B Thick as thieves since kindergarten.
⚠️ Common mistake: Thick as thieves is AFFECTIONATE, not an accusation — despite the thieves.
a fair-weather friend
Meaning: a friend who is present only when things go well
neutral friendship lessons, stories
Example: When he lost his job, the fair-weather friends vanished.
A He only calls when he needs money.
B A fair-weather friend, that one.
⚠️ Common mistake: A fair-weather friend disappears in STORMS. The opposite: a friend in need.
two peas in a pod
Meaning: two people who are very similar and always together
informal siblings, couples, best friends
Example: The twins are two peas in a pod — same jokes, same dreams.
A Those brothers are two peas in a pod.
B Even their handwriting matches!
⚠️ Common mistake: Two peas in A pod — the pod is the green shell holding identical peas.
see eye to eye
Meaning: to agree with someone; share the same view
neutral couples, partners, teams
Example: We don't always see eye to eye on money, but we talk it out.
A We finally see eye to eye.
B Compromise works miracles.
⚠️ Common mistake: See eye to eye WITH/ON: see eye to eye with her ON the plan. Negative form is very common.
wear the pants
Meaning: to be the decision-maker in a relationship or family
informal family jokes, relationships
Example: In their house, Grandma wears the pants.
A Who wears the pants in that family?
B Officially Dad. Actually Mom.
⚠️ Common mistake: Dated flavor but widely understood — said with a smile, about authority at home.
tie the knot
Meaning: to get married
informal weddings, announcements
Example: They tied the knot in June after five years together.
A They're tying the knot in May!
B Finally! Where's the ceremony?
⚠️ Common mistake: Tie THE knot — the knot is the marriage bond. Sweet and informal, perfect for cards and toasts.
pop the question
Meaning: to ask someone to marry you
informal proposals, romantic stories
Example: He popped the question at sunset on the beach.
A He popped the question last night!
B And? — She said yes, obviously!
⚠️ Common mistake: Pop THE question — there's only one question this idiom asks: Will you marry me?
head over heels
Meaning: deeply and excitedly in love
informal romance, love stories
Example: He fell head over heels for her in one summer.
A He's head over heels for Emma.
B Flowers every Friday — we noticed.
⚠️ Common mistake: Head over heels IN LOVE (with someone): head over heels in love with her. The in-love part is usually stated.
a match made in heaven
Meaning: a perfect couple or perfect combination
neutral couples, combinations
Example: Coffee and quiet mornings — a match made in heaven.
A Those two are a match made in heaven.
B Same humor, same kindness. Perfect.
⚠️ Common mistake: Works for people AND things: Peanut butter and jelly — a match made in heaven.
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