Making new friends in a new country can feel exciting, but also a little confusing at first. If you are travelling abroad, speaking English more naturally can help you connect with people faster. That is where idioms come in. Idioms are fun and useful expressions that native speakers often use in everyday conversation. Idiom phrases can help you start a conversation, understand others better, and build a strong friendship while you are abroad. In this guide, you will discover common idioms for making friends abroad, with simple meanings and examples to help you use them in the right way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Here is a list of some common idioms for making friends abroad. These idioms are very useful in day-to-day conversation and feel connected while communicating with new people abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning: <\/strong>\u2018Break the ice\u2019 means to start a conversation in a friendly and easy way, especially when people feel shy, nervous, or don\u2019t know each other well. It helps reduce the awkward silence or tension in a new situation, like the first day at school, a group meeting, or meeting someone from another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>On my first day in Berlin, I was nervous until Anna broke the ice by offering to share her umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>Means to become good friends with someone very quickly. It usually happens when you meet someone for the first time and you both feel comfortable, enjoy talking, and have things in common. For example, if you meet a classmate and start laughing and talking easily, you\u2019ve hit it off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>I met Luca at a language exchange event in Rome, and we hit it off instantly over our love for football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read:<\/strong> Idioms for Surprise<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>When two people become very good friends in a short time. They enjoy each other\u2019s company, have fun together, and talk easily. It\u2019s used when a friendship forms quickly and naturally, like meeting someone new and instantly feeling like you\u2019ve known them for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>Despite being from different cultures, Priya and Marta got on like house on fire after just one group project in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>Means to help a person feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable, just like they would in their own house. This is often said when someone is new or visiting. For example, if your host family in another country is kind and caring, they help you feel at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>When I moved to Seoul, Min-jun and his family made me feel at home by cooking a traditional Korean meal for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out: Sending Best Wishes for Someone Going to Study Abroad<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: \u2018<\/strong>Get to know someone\u2019 means to spend time with a person so you can learn more about them, their likes, dislikes, personality, and background. It doesn\u2019t happen instantly. It usually takes talking, sharing experiences, and being around them. For example, you get to know your classmates better by studying or hanging out together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>I really got to know Emma during our weekend trips around the UK while studying in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>Start talking with someone, especially a person you don\u2019t know yet. It\u2019s often used in casual or friendly situations, like on a bus, at a party, or in class. For example, you can strike up a conversation with someone by asking where they are from or what they\u2019re studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>I struck up a conversation with Ahmed on a train from Warsaw to Krak\u00f3w, and we ended up becoming travel buddies for the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read: Safe Journey Wishes for a Friend Going to Study Abroad<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning<\/strong>: Make a connection or create understanding and friendship between people, especially those from different backgrounds or cultures. It\u2019s about connecting with others by showing respect, kindness, and open-mindedness. For example, when you learn a few local phrases while studying abroad, it helps build bridges with people in that country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>Volunteering with Yuki helped me build bridges with the local community in Osaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>Means two people think alike or understand each other very well. They often have similar thoughts, feelings, or ideas, which makes communication easy and natural. For example, when you and a new friend quickly agree on things or finish each other\u2019s sentences, you’re on the same wavelength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>Even though we just met, Sofia and I were on the same wavelength about everything\u2014from music to life goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read: 11+ Best Idioms for Friendship in English for Everyday<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>Take a chance by being open, social, and willing to meet new people, even if it feels uncomfortable or scary. It\u2019s about leaving your comfort zone. For example, joining a club, talking to strangers, or attending events alone is a way to put yourself out there and make friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>I was shy at first, but I decided to put myself out there and joined Maria’s hiking group in Portugal\u2014and it changed everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>This idiom means that a real or true friend is someone who stands by you and helps you when you are in trouble. Anyone can be friendly when things are easy, but a true friend shows care and support during difficult times. Their actions prove they are a genuine and loyal friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong> When I lost my wallet in Prague, Daniel lent me money and helped me file a report\u2014a friend in need is truly a friend indeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more: Top 7 Idioms for Best Friend You Should Know!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: <\/strong>To make a big effort to help someone, even if it\u2019s difficult or inconvenient for you. It shows you really care about the person\u2019s comfort or happiness. For example, your host might bend over backwards to make sure you enjoy your stay in their country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong> Julia bent over backwards to help me find vegetarian food when I visited her in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> \u2018Speak the same language\u2019 doesn\u2019t always mean using the same spoken language. It means understanding each other easily because you share similar thoughts, feelings, or ways of thinking. Even if you come from different cultures, you might still “speak the same language” emotionally or mentally, making communication smooth and natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: <\/strong>Even though Alina and I barely spoke each other\u2019s native languages, we just clicked because we spoke the same language emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Hit it off<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Get on like a house on fire<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Make someone feel at home<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Get to know someone<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Strike up a conversation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Build bridges<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. On the same wavelength<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Put yourself out there<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. A friend in need is a friend indeed<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Bend over backwards (for someone)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Speak the same language<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n