20 Social and Relationship Idioms

1. Break the ice

To start a conversation in a social situation and make people feel comfortable.
Example: “Telling a funny story helped break the ice at the party.”

2. Hit it off

To immediately form a good connection or bond with someone.
Example: “We hit it off as soon as we started talking about our favorite books.”

3. Get off on the wrong foot

To start a relationship or interaction poorly.
Example: “We got off on the wrong foot during our first meeting, but now we’re good friends.”

4. A shoulder to cry on

Someone who provides comfort and support during tough times.
Example: “When I failed my exam, my best friend was a shoulder to cry on.”

5. Go the extra mile

To make an extra effort for someone.
Example: “She went the extra mile to help her friend prepare for the presentation.”

20 Social and Relationship Idioms

6. Spill the beans

To reveal a secret, intentionally or unintentionally.
Example: “Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party!”

7. Keep someone at arm’s length

To avoid getting too close emotionally or socially.
Example: “He keeps his coworkers at arm’s length to maintain professionalism.”

8. Bury the hatchet

To make peace and resolve a conflict.
Example: “After years of arguments, they finally buried the hatchet.”

9. Build bridges

To improve relationships or create understanding between people.
Example: “He tried to build bridges with his estranged family.”

20 Social and Relationship Idioms

10. Burn bridges

To damage or destroy a relationship irreparably.
Example: “Quitting without notice might burn bridges with your employer.”

11. Fair-weather friend

A person who is only around during good times but disappears during tough times.
Example: “She realized he was just a fair-weather friend after her problems started.”

12. Cross paths

To meet someone unexpectedly.
Example: “We crossed paths at the airport after not seeing each other for years.”

13. Leave someone in the lurch

To abandon or fail someone in a time of need.
Example: “He left his friend in the lurch by canceling their plans last minute.”

20 Social and Relationship Idioms

14. Pull someone’s leg

To tease or joke with someone.
Example: “I’m just pulling your leg; I didn’t actually lose my phone.”

15. On the same wavelength

To have similar thoughts, opinions, or feelings as someone else.
Example: “We’re on the same wavelength when it comes to teamwork.”

16. Give someone the cold shoulder

To ignore or be unkind to someone deliberately.
Example: “After their fight, she gave him the cold shoulder all week.”

20 Social and Relationship Idioms

17. Put yourself in someone’s shoes

To imagine yourself in someone else’s situation to understand their perspective.
Example: “Try to put yourself in her shoes before judging her actions.”

18. Hit the nail on the head

To say or do exactly the right thing.
Example: “Her comment about teamwork hit the nail on the head during the meeting.”

19. Stick to your guns

To remain firm in your beliefs or decisions despite opposition.
Example: “He stuck to his guns even when his friends disagreed with his choices.”

20. Go out on a limb

To take a risk in supporting or helping someone.
Example: “She went out on a limb to defend her friend during the argument.”