English idioms for socialising
Common expressions for free time with friends
[Last updated on 19/10/2023]
Do you like to spend your free time going to the pub, going out to restaurants and socialising with friends? Take a look at our treasure trove of English idioms and expressions that spice up your pub conversations, add flavour to dining adventures, and infuse your social gatherings with an extra dose of charm. These English idioms for socialising will add a touch of friendliness and informality to your conversations while catching up with your friends!
Check out our idioms for socialising when you are:
Idioms for socialising: Making plans to go out with friends
These idioms for socialising are commonly used by native English speakers to make plans with friends and family.
get-together
Meaning
a casual meeting or gathering of friends or acquaintances for socialising.
Example
We’re having a casual get-together at my local pub this Saturday – let’s meet at seven o’clock and enjoy some quality time.
paint the town red
Meaning
to go out and have a great time, often involving food, drinks, and entertainment.
Example
It’s Friday night, and we’re ready to paint the town red with dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories to celebrate my 21st birthday.
wine and dine
Meaning
to go to expensive restaurants and spend a lot of money on good food and drinks. You can also wine and dine someone.
Example
He decided to wine and dine his future parents-in-law at the finest restaurant in town to impress them.
the more, the merrier
Meaning
describes when a group of friends is larger, the gathering is more enjoyable.
Example
Feel free to invite your friends to the barbecue – you know, the more, the merrier!
dressed to the nines
Meaning
describes when a person is wearing fancy or stylish clothes.
Example
She arrived at the party dressed to the nines in a stunning evening gown and sparkling jewellery.
take a rain check
Meaning
to postpone a plan or invitation for another time.
Example
I’m sorry, I can’t join you for the movie tonight and need to take a rain check. Can we do this next week instead?
Idioms for socialising: Starting conversations with friends
How do you normally start a chat with friends? Native English speakers don’t always ask “How are you?”. Here are some different ways to greet friends, ask about their well-being and recent experiences.
How's life treating you?
Meaning
used to ask about overall well-being and recent experiences.
Example
Sarah: Hey Mark, how’s life treating you these days?
Mark: Not too bad, actually. I’ve been keeping busy with work and trying to squeeze in some weekend hiking trips.
How have you been keeping?
Meaning
used to ask about overall well-being and recent experiences.
Example
Tom: Hi Lisa, it’s been a while! How have you been keeping?“
Lisa: I’m doing well, thanks. I’ve been busy with my art projects and spending time with family.
How's it going?
Meaning
used to ask about overall well-being and recent experiences.
Example
Emily: Hey Sam, how’s it going?
Sam: Hi Emily! Things have been great. I recently started a new job, and am settling into a new routine.
How's everything in your neck of the woods?
Meaning
used to ask about overall well-being and recent experiences.
Example
Chris: Evening Emma, how’s everything in your neck of the woods?
Emma: Things are going well, thanks. I’ve been really busy at work lately, so I’m looking forward to my next holiday.
Idioms for socialising: Chatting with friends
We love chatting with friends in our free time, and here are some idioms that are used to describe our conversations when we’re socialising.
have a chinwag
Meaning
to engage in a casual chat or conversation, especially while enjoying food or drinks.
Example
After ordering our drinks, we settled into a cosy corner of the pub to have a chinwag about our recent travels and adventures.
to have a natter
Meaning
to have a relaxed and informal conversation, often while sharing a meal or drink.
Example
Over a cup of coffee, we sat down to have a natter about everything from movies to upcoming weekend plans.
catch up with friends
Meaning
to talk to someone that you have not spoken to for a while.
Example
It’s been a while since we last met, so I’m looking forward to catching up with friends over dinner at our favourite restuarant tonight.
put the world to rights
Meaning
refers to when people discuss topics and exchange opinions about what should be changed to make the world or society a better place.
Example
Last night, we sat around the barbeque and put the world to rights, discussing everything from politics to environmental issues.
talk the night away
Meaning
describes a long and enjoyable conversation that continues late into the evening.
Example
We talked the night away sharing memories from our childhood, how we met, and all the fun we had together at university.
Idioms for socialising: Ending the conversation
After a great catch up, it’s eventually time to say goodbye, and here are some common expressions to end the special time socialising with friends.
call it a night
Meaning
to express that an event or activity should end soon, especially when it’s getting late.
Example
Well, it’s getting pretty late. I think we should call it a night and head home.
wrap things up
Meaning
used to suggest that it’s time to finish the social gathering.
Example
It’s getting late and we don’t want to miss the train. Let’s start to wrap things up and say our goodbyes.
hit the road
Meaning
used to suggest that it’s time to leave.
Example
It’s been a great evening, but it’s time to hit the road and head back home. I need to get up early for work tomorrow!
It's been a pleasure
Meaning
used to express that you’ve enjoyed the experience or interaction with others.
Example
It’s been a pleasure catching up with you. We have to do it again soon.
until next time
Meaning
to say goodbye with the expectation or hope of meeting again in the future.
Example
Until next time, take care and have a great week.
Ready to use these English idioms for socialising?
If you have English-speaking friends, try using these idioms for socialising the next time your making plans and going out. Whether you’re planning a night out, starting a conversation, engaging in chats, or bidding farewell, these idiomatic expressions will be your loyal companions. Embrace the richness of language and the warmth of friendships as you embark on your journey of socialising with an extra layer of charm.
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Happy socialising!