English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Bosom friend
Meaning
The idiom "bosom friend" refers to a person who is extremely close to you, someone you trust and confide in with your deepest secrets. It suggests a level of intimacy that goes beyond mere friendship and into the realm of emotional support and connection.
Usage
- She considered her sister her bosom friend, always there for her no matter what.
- After years of living apart, they reunited and quickly became bosom friends once again.
- As a child, my best friend was my bosom friend, someone I could always count on to be there for me.
- When going through a difficult time, it's important to have someone who is your bosom friend, someone you can confide in and rely on for emotional support.
- My mom was always my bosom friend, someone I could talk to about anything without fear of judgment. The usage of the idiom "bosom friend" can vary depending on the context. For example, it may be used to describe a longtime friend or family member who has been a constant source of emotional support and companionship. It may also be used to describe someone who is currently going through a difficult time and needs someone they can confide in.
Roots and History
The phrase "bosom friend" dates back to the 16th century and was first used in literature by William Shakespeare in his play "Henry V". It originally referred to someone who was close to your heart, or "your bosom", and whom you trusted implicitly. Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved to include emotional support and connection as well as physical proximity.
Synonyms in English
- Confidante
- Companion
- Friend
- Ally
- Mentor
Synonyms in other languages
- Amigo/a (Spanish) - A close friend who is always there for you and whom you trust implicitly.
- Freundin/Freund (German) - A friend who is very close to you and whom you can confide in.
- L'ami de mes vieux jours/Vieille amie (French) - An old friend with whom you have a deep emotional connection and whom you trust implicitly.
- Bjorka (Swedish) - A bosom friend or close companion who is always there for you emotionally.
- Kumpala (Italian) - A close friend or companion with whom you share intimate experiences and emotions.