Idioms add spice to our language, giving color to the way we express ourselves. Even if you’re just starting to learn English, understanding idioms can make you sound more like a native speaker. In this post, we’ll explore idioms that involve the concept of a “partner,” which often mean something quite different from what the words alone might suggest.
Partner Idioms
Here are 20 partner idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Partner in crime
Meaning: A close associate in mischievous acts
Example: She’s my partner in crime at school.
2. Dance partner
Meaning: Someone with whom you dance, implying a close collaboration
Example: He’s my favorite dance partner in competitions.
3. Sparring partner
Meaning: Someone to practice or compete against, usually in sports or intellectual debates
Example: I train with my sparring partner weekly.
4. Sleeping partner
Meaning: A partner in business who does not take an active role in operations
Example: He’s just a sleeping partner in the firm.
5. Junior partner
Meaning: A person who is less experienced in a business or law firm, usually with lesser responsibility
Example: She was thrilled to become a junior partner.
6. Silent partner
Meaning: An investor who is not involved in the daily management of the business
Example: His uncle is the silent partner in our business.
7. Partner up
Meaning: To team up with someone for a particular task or project
Example: Let’s partner up for the science fair.
8. Senior partner
Meaning: The most experienced or one of the leaders in a partnership
Example: He is the senior partner at the law firm.
9. Managing partner
Meaning: A partner who takes on the responsibility of managing a partnership
Example: She became the managing partner due to her leadership skills.
10. Limited partner
Meaning: A member of a partnership who has limited liability and is not involved in day-to-day management
Example: He prefers being a limited partner to reduce his risks.
11. Equal partner
Meaning: A partner who shares equal rights and responsibilities in a partnership
Example: They operate as equal partners in the restaurant.
12. Life partner
Meaning: A term often used for a spouse or significant other, emphasizing the lifelong commitment
Example: She introduced him as her life partner.
13. Business partner
Meaning: A partner in commerce, often used to imply a deep, collaborative relationship
Example: We’ve been successful as business partners for over a decade.
14. Lead partner
Meaning: The principal partner in a business or project, usually leading strategies
Example: Our firm’s lead partner will present at the conference.
15. Strategic partner
Meaning: A partnership formed for strategic advantages, often in business
Example: They are our strategic partners for expanding into Asia.
16. Troubleshooting partner
Meaning: A partner who specializes in solving problems, often in a technical field
Example: He’s a great troubleshooting partner in our IT department.
17. Training partner
Meaning: Someone with whom you practice skills or prepare for athletic events
Example: My training partner pushes me to run faster.
18. Investment partner
Meaning: A partner involved primarily for financial investment purposes
Example: She’s a savvy investment partner in our new venture.
19. Partner for life
Meaning: Refers to a very committed personal relationship, typically in marriage
Example: He’s more than my husband; he’s my partner for life.
20. Partner at the helm
Meaning: A partner who is in charge or leading a project or organization
Example: With Janet as our partner at the helm, we’ve reached new heights.
Read More:
