V0cabulary, Idioms & Expressions (VIE)

Family / FriendshipFamily / Friendship

A Friend In Need Is A Friend IndeedA true friend is a person who will help you when you really need help.When Bill helped me with geometry, I really learned the meaning of a friend in need is a friend indeed.

A Hedge Between Keeps Friendship GreenYour friendship will flourish if you and your friend respect each other's privacy.Lynne and I are the best of friends, but we often like to spend time apart. A hedge between keeps friendship green.

26 March 2012

Birds of A FeatherTo say that two people are birds of a feather means that they are very similar in many ways."Having come from the same background, the two associates were birds of a feather."

Build BridgesIf a person builds bridges between opposing groups, they help them to cooperate and understand each other better. "The mayor spent years trying to build bridges between the different communities."

27 March 2012

Fair-weather FriendSomeone who acts as a friend when times are good, and is not there when you are in trouble. Someone who is only your friend when you are happy and successful."I thought I could count on Bill, but I've discovered he's just a fair-weather friend."

On The Same WavelengthTo say that two people are on the same wavelength means that they understand each other well because they share the same interests and opinions."I get on very well with Alice. We're always on the same wavelength.”

28 March 2012

Get On Like A House On FireTwo people who get on like a house on fire have similar interests and quickly become good friends."The two boys were in the same class and got on like a house on fire."

Strike Up A FriendshipTo become friends (with someone).I struck up a friendship with John while we were on a business trip together.

29 March 2012

Fast FriendsGood, loyal friends.The two of them had been fast friends since college.

Have Friends In High PlacesTo know important people who can help you get what you want.He has plenty of friends in high places willing to support his career.

30 March 2012

To Be As Thick As ThievesClose friends who are very loyal to each other."Chris always takes Tom's side. They're as thick as thieves."

Know Someone / Something Inside Out.Knowing someone/something very well.

Sue and Anne have been friends since childhood. They know each other inside out."

2 April 2012

A Family ManA man who likes spending time with his wife and children.He was known as a devoted family man who was closely involved in community life.

A Family That Prays Together Stays TogetherFamilies who practise religion will endure hardships together.Mother believed that the family that prays together stays together and insisted that we all say prayers every night.

3 April 2012

All In The FamilyRestricted to one's own family, as with private or embarrassing information.He did not tell anyone else about the problems in order to keep it all in the family.

Black Sheep of The FamilySomeone considered a bad person by the rest of their family.My cousin became the black sheep of the family after he dropped out of school.

4 April 2012

Blood Is Thicker Than WaterFamily relationships are the most important.I always side with my brother because blood is thicker than water.

Like One of The FamilyAs if someone (or a pet) were a member of one's family.We treat our maid like one of the family so we include her in family outings.

9 April 2012

Run In The FamilyA lot of people in a family has a certain quality.Athletic ability certainly runs in the family: his parents were both national runners too.

Empty Nest SyndromeThe sad feelings parents have when their children grow up and leave home.She suffered from empty nest syndrome after all her sons got married.

10 April 2012