A. Love and romance

• When Tom met Lily, it was love at first sight. [love began the first time they saw each other]
• She fell head over heels in love with him. [fell deeply and madly in love]
• Nick only has eyes for Sophie. He’s not interested in other girls. [is only attracted to]
• Lauren was more than infatuated with Dave; she was completely besotted with him. [romantically obsessed with]
• I’ve often seen Matt and Ellie at the cinema together, but it’s purely a platonic relationship. [affectionate relationship between people of the opposite sex that is not sexual]

B. Friendships and other positive relationships

• Anona and I hit it off immediately; we’re true soulmates. [liked each other the moment we met; people who feel close in spirit and understand each other deeply]
• The moment I met Rob, I could see he was a man after my own heart. [someone you admire because they do or think the same as you; also “woman after your own heart”]
• Charlie and I get on like a house on fire. [have a very good, enjoyable relationship]
• Rob and Jamie have been bosom friends/buddies/pals for years. [very close, good friends]
• Marta and Carmen are inseparable. [always want to be together, very close]
• There’s a close bond between Rusdha and her aunt. [relationship or feeling of togetherness]

C. General social relationships: collocations

A: You seem to be very similar to Ben – the way you think and look at life.
B: Yes, we’ve always been kindred spirits.

A: What a nice wedding! Nathan and Amelia seem to be perfect for each other.
B: Yes, such a well-matched couple!

A: Our Spanish friends are always phoning their brothers and sisters.
B: Yes, well, I think family ties in Spain are much stronger than here.

A: I’ve never met Rosie, but I know several people she knows.
B: Yes, she said you have a number of mutual acquaintances.

A: Gareth has a lot of respect for Clare.
B: Yes, he holds her in high regard.

A: Sarah and Anna are very close these days. I’m sure they share all their secrets.
B: Yes, they’re as thick as thieves.

D. Nouns and adjectives