Today, on International Friendship Day, we’d like to share a post on the topic and teach you useful upper-intermediate and advanced vocabulary to talk about friends and friendship. Read on for handy expressions presented in context and English proverbs full of friendship-related wisdom. Happy Friendship Day!

Cut From the Same Cloth

In the journey of life, friendship is a beacon that guides us through the highs and lows (1). True friends are not just fair-weather friends (2); they stand by us (3) when the storms of life rage and when the sun shines bright. We can count on them (4) to put up with our faults (5) and imperfections, knowing that their acceptance is unwavering.

When challenges arise, they are a great laugh (6), turning even the darkest moments into cherished memories. But sometimes, even the closest of friends can let us down (7). Yet, in the face of disappointment, we find solace in knowing that we’re in the same boat (8), two peas in a pod (9), cut from the same cloth (10).

Through thick and thin (11), we have each other’s backs (12), sticking together like glue (13). We know each other inside out (14), understanding the quirks and complexities that make us who we are. A shoulder to cry on (15) is always available, and we lend an ear (16) without judgment or reservation.

In the tapestry of friendship, we are birds of a feather (17), drawn together by a bond that transcends time and distance. So let’s cherish these connections, for in the vast expanse of life, true friendship is a rare and precious gift.

1. highs and lows – the good times and bad times
2. fair-weather friend – someone who is only a friend when things are going well but disappears or becomes unsupportive during difficult times
3. to stand by someone – to support, remain loyal, or be there for someone, especially during challenging or difficult times
4. to count on someone – to rely on someone; to trust that someone will do what they say they will do
5. to put up with something – to tolerate or endure something, often something unpleasant or difficult
6. a great laugh – someone who is enjoyable to spend time with because they are fun and amusing
7. to let someone down – to disappoint or fail to meet someone’s expectations, especially when they were relying on you
8. to be in the same boat – to be in a similar situation or circumstance as someone else, usually one that is challenging or problematic
9. two peas in a pod – two people who are very similar in interests, behaviors, or appearance
10. to be cut from the same cloth – to be very similar in character, personality, or behavior
11. to be through thick and thin – to stay supportive and loyal to someone during both good times and bad times
12. to have each other’s backs – to support and defend one another, especially in difficult situations
13. to stick together like glue – to stay closely united or connected, not allowing anything to come between or separate the people
14. to know someone inside out – to be very familiar with someone’s character, personality, strengths, weaknesses, etc
15. a shoulder to cry on – someone who is supportive and comforting when you are upset or going through a difficult time
16. to lend an ear – to listen attentively and empathetically to someone who needs to talk or express their feelings
17. birds of a feather – people who share similar interests, characteristics, or qualities

Practice

Exercise 1. Click the link here and choose the right word to complete the sentences.

5 Proverbs About Friendship

Since friendship is such an important part of our lives, and everyone needs friends, it’s hardly surprising that there are so many proverbs related to it. Here are 5 famous and commonly used English sayings. Read what they mean and practice their usage with the exercise below.

Proverb	Meaning
A friend in need is a friend indeed.	A true friend is someone who stands by you and supports you, especially in difficult times.
A man is known by the company he keeps.	A person’s character can be judged by the type of people they associate with.
Birds of a feather flock together.	People with similar interests, characteristics, or backgrounds often tend to associate with each other.
A friend to all is a friend to none.	Someone who tries to be friends with everyone may not truly form deep or meaningful connections with anyone.
False friends are worse than bitter enemies.	Insincere or deceitful friends can cause more harm than outright enemies.

Practice

Exercise 2. Choose the right proverb to complete the situations.

1. I thought Rachel was my friend, but she spread rumors about me behind my back. ___ (proverb)
2. When I was going through a tough breakup, Sarah stayed up all night talking to me and comforting me. ___ (proverb)
3. Tom is always so friendly and outgoing, but he never really opens up or shares personal things with anyone. I guess ___ (proverb).
4. It’s no surprise that Sarah and Emily became best friends; they both love hiking, reading, and traveling. ___ (proverb)
5. John started hanging out with a group of troublemakers, and soon enough, he started getting into trouble himself. It just proves that ___ (proverb.

Answer key 🔑

1. I thought Rachel was my friend, but she spread rumors about me behind my back. False friends are worse than bitter enemies.
2. When I was going through a tough breakup, Sarah stayed up all night talking to me and comforting me. A friend in need is truly a friend indeed.
3. Tom is always so friendly and outgoing, but he never really opens up or shares personal things with anyone. I guess a friend to all is a friend to none.
4. It’s no surprise that Sarah and Emily became best friends; they both love hiking, reading, and traveling. Birds of a feather flock together.
5. John started hanging out with a group of troublemakers, and soon enough, he started getting into trouble himself. It just proves that a man is known by the company he keeps.