This lesson trains 28 C2 idioms on Friendship. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Hold out an olive branch
To offer peace or reconciliation.
After the argument, she sent a friendly message to restore good relations.
Common ground
Shared opinions or interests that can form the basis of agreement.
Despite their different backgrounds, they found several topics they both cared about.
After your own heart
Exactly the kind of person one likes or approves of because they share the same tastes or values.
She loved classic literature and vintage films, just like her new colleague.
Be two of a kind
To be very similar.
The two brothers had almost identical personalities.
Have your best interests at heart
To genuinely want the best for someone.
Even though the advice seemed harsh, the mentor was only trying to help her succeed.
A love rat
A person who is unfaithful in a relationship.
He cheated on his girlfriend and lied about it.
Live in each other's pockets
To spend too much time together and have no privacy.
The couple worked and lived in the same small apartment.
Go their own ways
To separate and follow different paths in life.
After university the friends moved to different cities and lost contact.
Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.
Used to say that someone you like is automatically liked by me too.
He introduced his new colleague and everyone welcomed her warmly.
Drop in on
To visit someone informally and without prior arrangement.
She decided to stop by her friend's house on the way home.
Star-crossed lovers
Lovers whose relationship is prevented by fate or circumstances.
The young couple came from families that were bitter enemies.
Go back a long way
To have known each other for a very long time.
The two founders had been friends since university and had worked on many projects together.
Meet sb halfway
To compromise and agree on something.
Both sides wanted to reach an agreement, so they each made some concessions.
No hard feelings
Used to say that there is no anger or resentment after a disagreement.
Even though they had argued, they shook hands afterwards.
Play gooseberry
To be an unwanted third person when two people want to be alone.
The couple wanted a romantic evening but the friend insisted on joining them.
Two's company, three's a crowd.
Two people are comfortable together, but a third person makes it awkward.
The couple wanted a romantic evening and did not want anyone else to join them.
Prince Charming
An idealized, perfect romantic partner (often used ironically).
She was still waiting for the perfect man to sweep her off her feet.
Let bygones be bygones
To forget past disagreements and move forward.
After years of rivalry, the two companies decided to cooperate.
A heart of gold
A very kind and generous nature.
She always helped anyone in need without expecting anything in return.
Your own flesh and blood
A close relative, especially a child or parent.
Even though they had argued, she could not abandon her son.
Nearest and dearest
One's closest family and friends.
In times of crisis people usually turn to those closest to them.
An old flame
A former romantic partner.
She met her ex-boyfriend at the reunion after many years.
The course of true love never did run smooth.
True love always faces difficulties.
Their relationship had many obstacles from the beginning.
See eye to eye
To agree completely with someone.
The two partners had exactly the same vision for the company's future.
A fair-weather friend
A person who is only friendly when things are going well.
When the business was successful he had many friends, but they disappeared when problems arose.
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
There are many other opportunities or partners available.
After the breakup she was upset, but her friends reminded her not to worry.
Give and take
The willingness to compromise in a relationship or negotiation.
A successful marriage requires both partners to be flexible.
Tie the knot
To get married.
The couple finally decided to get married after ten years together.