Meaning
- best friend who is very close to you
- someone whom you share everything with
- someone you can always rely on
- close friends who share confidences
- a kindred spirit
- someone you have an intimate relationship with
Example Sentences
- The two ladies who were arrested for injuring each other for one man were bosom friends for years.
- I wouldn't call him a bosom friend, since we aren't that close.
- She's been my bosom friend since we were kids.
- Everyone saw them as bosom friends, so it was a surprise when they had a falling out.
- Anyone should be able to see their partner as their bosom friend.
- A bosom friend of yours doesn't go back on their word.
- They were bosom friends who had been through thick and thin together.
- He's my soulmate, or my bosom friend if you would.
- She was a bad bosom friend the moment she talked behind her back.
- I need my bosom friend here to support me!
- We've been bosom friends because we grew up together.
Origin
"Bosom friends" originated in the 1500s as a term for referring to your best friend. It was meant to represent a deep, intimate, friendly relationship. The word "bosom" today would be considered to be a literal woman's chest. However, centuries ago, it was actually meant as a metaphorical chest of deep emotions. This later developed into " bosom buddies " in the later 20th century.
This term was used for the NBC sitcom " Bosom Buddies," which aired in the 1980s. Fittingly enough, the show did center around a pair of best friends. It was also used in Rosie O'Donnel and Deborah Axelrod's book "Bosom Buddies: Laughter Lessons for Breast Health and Cancer."