When we talk about love, friendship, or meaningful relationships, plain words often fall short. That’s where idioms come in. Idioms are colorful expressions that carry a deeper meaning beyond their literal words.
They add warmth, creativity, and richness to communication. When you want to describe “someone special” in your life — whether it’s a partner, a close friend, or even a mentor — idioms can help you express emotions more vividly.
For example, instead of saying “She’s very important to me,” you could say “She’s the apple of my eye.” Instantly, the message feels more heartfelt. Learning idioms for someone special is especially useful because they are commonly used in movies, books, songs, and daily conversations.
Mastering these expressions not only helps you sound more fluent but also lets you connect emotionally with others.
Did You Know?
The idiom “the apple of my eye” comes from old English literature and originally meant “the center of vision.” Over time, it evolved to mean “someone you deeply cherish.” Many idioms for someone special have historical or cultural roots, which makes them even more fascinating!
Romantic Love Idioms
The apple of my eye
Meaning: Someone you love the most and treasure deeply.
Example: My wife has always been the apple of my eye.
Alternative: Heart of my heart
Note: Often used in romantic and family contexts, informal and affectionate.
My better half
Meaning: Your spouse or romantic partner.
Example: I can’t wait for you to meet my better half.
Alternative: Significant other
Note: Common in daily conversation, lighthearted.
Love of my life
Meaning: The person you love the most, often for a lifetime.
Example: She is truly the love of my life.
Alternative: Soulmate
Note: Strong romantic expression, often serious.
Head over heels
Meaning: To be deeply in love with someone.
Example: He fell head over heels for her the moment they met.
Alternative: Madly in love
Note: Informal, romantic situations.
Match made in heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple or relationship.
Example: Everyone says they’re a match made in heaven.
Alternative: Perfect fit
Note: Romantic and sometimes used in wedding speeches.
You complete me
Meaning: Someone makes you feel whole or fulfilled.
Example: Without him, I feel lost. He really completes me.
Alternative: My other half
Note: Popularized by movies, romantic tone.
Written in the stars
Meaning: A relationship destined to happen.
Example: Their love was written in the stars.
Alternative: Fate brought us together
Note: Poetic, often used in storytelling.
Heart skips a beat
Meaning: A feeling of excitement when seeing someone special.
Example: My heart skips a beat every time she smiles at me.
Alternative: Butterflies in my stomach
Note: Romantic, informal, emotional.
Falling for someone
Meaning: Starting to fall in love.
Example: I think I’m falling for him.
Alternative: Developing feelings
Note: Informal, everyday use.
The one and only
Meaning: The unique person who means everything to you.
Example: She is my one and only.
Alternative: My everything
Note: Common in love songs and poems.
Friendship & Companionship Idioms
A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who offers comfort in tough times.
Example: He was always my shoulder to cry on during bad days.
Alternative: A rock
Note: Informal, used in friendship and family.
Through thick and thin
Meaning: To stay loyal in both good and bad times.
Example: We’ve been friends through thick and thin.
Alternative: Stand by me
Note: Often in long-term friendships.
Birds of a feather
Meaning: People who are alike and stick together.
Example: They’re birds of a feather, always together.
Alternative: Like-minded souls
Note: Informal, casual.
Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very close friends who are always together.
Example: Those two are like two peas in a pod.
Alternative: Inseparable friends
Note: Friendly, playful expression.
Partners in crime
Meaning: Close friends who do everything together.
Example: We’ve been partners in crime since childhood.
Alternative: Sidekick
Note: Informal, humorous.
Thick as thieves
Meaning: Extremely close friends who share secrets.
Example: They’ve been thick as thieves since school days.
Alternative: Best buddies
Note: Informal, friendly.
Rock-solid friend
Meaning: A dependable and loyal friend.
Example: He’s a rock-solid friend I can always count on.
Alternative: Trustworthy companion
Note: Informal, reliable tone.
Bosom buddy
Meaning: A very close and intimate friend.
Example: We’ve been bosom buddies since college.
Alternative: Best friend
Note: Slightly old-fashioned, but affectionate.
Always there for me
Meaning: Someone supportive in every situation.
Example: She’s always there for me no matter what.
Alternative: Reliable friend
Note: Daily life, simple and warm.
Joined at the hip
Meaning: Two people who are constantly together.
Example: They’re joined at the hip these days.
Alternative: Stuck together
Note: Informal, casual.
Family & Special Bonds Idioms
Flesh and blood
Meaning: Someone from your family.
Example: I can’t turn my back on my own flesh and blood.
Alternative: Blood relative
Note: Often serious, family-oriented.
Chip off the old block
Meaning: A child who resembles their parent.
Example: He’s a chip off the old block, just like his dad.
Alternative: Like father, like son
Note: Family, casual.
Spitting image
Meaning: Someone who looks exactly like another.
Example: She’s the spitting image of her mother.
Alternative: Carbon copy
Note: Informal, family context.
Mother’s pride and joy
Meaning: Someone who makes their parent proud.
Example: Her daughter is her pride and joy.
Alternative: Apple of one’s eye
Note: Warm, affectionate.
Black sheep of the family
Meaning: A family member who is considered different or a misfit.
Example: He’s always been the black sheep of the family.
Alternative: Odd one out
Note: Informal, sometimes negative.
Home is where the heart is
Meaning: Family and loved ones are what make home special.
Example: For me, home is where the heart is.
Alternative: Family is everything
Note: Poetic, affectionate.
Father figure
Meaning: Someone who provides guidance like a father.
Example: My coach was a father figure to me.
Alternative: Mentor
Note: Serious, respectful.
Like two peas in a pod (family)
Meaning: Siblings or family members who are very close.
Example: The sisters are like two peas in a pod.
Alternative: Inseparable siblings
Note: Casual, affectionate.
Family ties
Meaning: Strong connections within a family.
Example: Nothing can break our family ties.
Alternative: Blood ties
Note: Serious, formal or informal.
Bond of blood
Meaning: A strong natural connection within family.
Example: The bond of blood is unbreakable.
Alternative: Blood is thicker than water
Note: Serious, traditional.
Expressions of Value & Importance Idioms
One in a million
Meaning: Someone extremely rare and special.
Example: She’s truly one in a million.
Alternative: Rare gem
Note: Informal, positive.
Diamond in the rough
Meaning: Someone with great potential or value.
Example: He’s a diamond in the rough with a kind heart.
Alternative: Hidden treasure
Note: Informal, often inspirational.
Jewel of my heart
Meaning: A beloved person who is highly treasured.
Example: My son is the jewel of my heart.
Alternative: Treasure
Note: Poetic, affectionate.
Priceless treasure
Meaning: Someone beyond value.
Example: Her friendship is a priceless treasure.
Alternative: Gem of a person
Note: Poetic, affectionate.
Rare gem
Meaning: A very special and unique person.
Example: He’s a rare gem, hard to find these days.
Alternative: One of a kind
Note: Informal, positive.
Sunshine of my life
Meaning: Someone who brings joy and brightness.
Example: My daughter is the sunshine of my life.
Alternative: Light of my life
Note: Romantic, affectionate.
Heart of gold
Meaning: Someone kind and generous.
Example: She has a heart of gold, always helping others.
Alternative: Pure soul
Note: Informal, often about personality.
Salt of the earth
Meaning: A humble, good-hearted person.
Example: He’s the salt of the earth.
Alternative: Down-to-earth
Note: Often respectful, used in formal and informal.
Crown jewel
Meaning: The most important or special part/person.
Example: Their youngest child is the crown jewel of the family.
Alternative: Star of the show
Note: Poetic, often formal.
My guiding star
Meaning: Someone who gives direction and hope.
Example: My teacher was my guiding star in tough times.
Alternative: Light in the dark
Note: Inspirational, affectionate.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In speaking: Use idioms naturally in conversations with friends, partners, or family. For example, “She’s my rock” instead of “She supports me.”
- In writing: Idioms make personal letters, cards, or even professional speeches more heartfelt. For example, in a wedding toast you could say, “They’re a match made in heaven.”
- In professional life: Some idioms (like “guiding star” or “salt of the earth”) can be used respectfully in work environments to praise colleagues or mentors.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Using them too literally
❌ She is literally the apple of my eye.
✔️ She is the apple of my eye. - Mixing idioms incorrectly
❌ He’s a diamond in the heaven.
✔️ He’s a diamond in the rough. - Overusing idioms in one sentence
❌ My friend is my rock, my sunshine, my diamond, and my salt of the earth.
✔️ My friend is my rock and always there for me.
FAQs
1. Can idioms for someone special be used in formal writing?
Yes, but choose carefully. Phrases like “guiding star” or “heart of gold” are suitable in professional contexts, while “partner in crime” is more casual.
2. Do native speakers use these idioms often?
Absolutely! Many of these idioms are common in daily speech, songs, and movies, making them useful for learners to understand and use.
3. Can these idioms describe non-romantic relationships?
Yes. While some are romantic (“love of my life”), many apply to friends, family, or mentors (“rock-solid friend,” “guiding star”).
4. Are idioms universal across cultures?
Not always. Some idioms are unique to English, but similar expressions often exist in other languages with different imagery.
5. How can I remember idioms easily?
Practice them in context. Write sentences or stories using idioms to make them stick naturally.
Conclusion
Idioms for someone special bring warmth, beauty, and creativity to everyday communication. Whether you’re describing a partner, a best friend, or a family member, these expressions help capture emotions that plain words sometimes cannot.
From calling someone “the apple of your eye” to praising them as “one in a million,” idioms enrich your English while making your feelings more heartfelt.
Start using them in conversations, letters, or even professional speeches, and you’ll notice how they create deeper connections. After all, the people we love deserve words that sparkle!
