Sometimes, people act like they are your friends, but they really are not. They may smile at you, but behind your back, they are not kind. These people are called fake friends. It can be hard to tell who is real and who is not. That is why people use pictures in words, called metaphors, to help explain what fake friends are like.
Metaphors help us see things in a new way. They compare fake friends to things we already know. This helps us understand their true nature. In this article, we will look at some simple metaphors about fake friends. These ideas will help you think about friendship and choose your friends wisely.
Metaphors about Fake Friends
1. A fake friend is like a shadow.
Meaning: They stay close only when the sun shines. When trouble comes, they disappear.
To Provide an Example: Lily’s friend stopped playing with her when she got hurt and had to stay home. / Tom’s classmate was nice only when Tom had new toys.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are only around during good times. / They leave when you really need help.
2. A fake friend is like a broken pencil.
Meaning: They look useful but do not help when needed.
To Provide an Example: Ben’s friend promised to help him with homework but didn’t show up. / Emma’s friend said she’d save her a seat but forgot.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends make promises they don’t keep. / They seem helpful but don’t follow through.
3. A fake friend is like a plastic plant.
Meaning: They look nice but are not real.
To Provide an Example: Jason’s friend said kind things in front of him but was mean behind his back. / Lucy thought her friend cared, but she never listened to her stories.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends pretend to care. / They act nice but don’t show real kindness.
4. A fake friend is like a cracked mirror.
Meaning: They don’t show you the truth.
To Provide an Example: Mia’s friend lied to her about what others said. / Jay’s friend never told him when something was wrong.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends hide things from you. They don’t help you see what’s really happening.
5. A fake friend is like an empty gift box.
Meaning: They look exciting but have nothing inside.
To Provide an Example: Noah’s friend talked a lot but didn’t listen when Noah had a problem. / Ava’s friend said she cared but didn’t show up when Ava needed her.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends talk more than they act. . They seem kind but don’t do kind things.
6. A fake friend is like a balloon.
Meaning: They can float away at any time.
To Provide an Example: Liam’s friend stopped talking to him after he made a new friend. / Zoe’s friend left her out when a new student joined the group.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t stay long. / They leave when someone new comes along.
7. A fake friend is like a book with a pretty cover but blank pages.
Meaning: They seem interesting but have nothing true to share.
To Provide an Example: Alex’s friend was fun to be around but never helped when Alex was sad. Nora’s friend looked like she cared but didn’t listen.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are fun on the outside but not helpful inside. / They look nice but don’t give real friendship.
8. A fake friend is like a candy with a wrapper but no candy inside.
Meaning: They look sweet but give you nothing.
To Provide an Example: Owen’s friend gave lots of compliments but made fun of him later. / Ella’s friend acted nice but told her secrets to others.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t keep their words. / They seem kind but are not true inside.
9. A fake friend is like a ladder with missing steps.
Meaning: They say they’ll help, but let you fall.
To Provide an Example: Luke’s friend said he’d walk with him to class but left him behind. / Grace’s friend promised to cheer her on but didn’t show up at her recital.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends can’t be trusted to support you. / They say yes, but don’t mean it.
10. A fake friend is like a toy that breaks on the first day.
Meaning: They don’t last long when things go wrong.
To Provide an Example: Ryan’s friend stopped talking to him after one small fight. / Chloe’s friend said they were best friends, then left for someone else.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends give up easily. / They aren’t strong enough to stick with you.
11. A fake friend is like a door that only opens one way.
Meaning: They take from you but don’t give back.
To Provide an Example: Henry always shared his snacks, but his friend never shared anything. / Bella helped her friend with schoolwork, but her friend didn’t help back.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends only care about what they get. / They don’t treat you the same way you treat them.
12. A fake friend is like a kite with a broken string.
Meaning: They drift away when the wind changes.
To Provide an Example: Jack’s friend stopped calling when Jack couldn’t come to the party. / Maya’s friend changed schools and never spoke to her again.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t try to stay close. / They leave when things change.
13. A fake friend is like ice cream in the sun.
Meaning: They melt away when things get hard.
To Provide an Example: Nathan’s friend didn’t stand up for him when someone was mean. / Emma’s friend left her alone when she was feeling sad.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t last during tough times. / They disappear when you need support.
14. A fake friend is like a phone with no signal.
Meaning: They don’t respond when you really need them.
To Provide an Example: Harper called her friend for help, but she didn’t answer or call back. / Logan needed a partner for a project, but his friend chose someone else.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends ignore you when you ask for help. / They are quiet when it matters most.
15. A fake friend is like a mask at a party.
Meaning: They hide their true self.
To Provide an Example: Ella’s friend acted sweet in public but was mean when no one was looking. / Daniel thought his friend liked him, but he heard her saying rude things.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends pretend to be someone they’re not. / They wear a friendly face but don’t mean it.
16. A fake friend is like a glass of soda with no fizz.
Meaning: They seem fun but are flat inside.
To Provide an Example: Chloe’s friend always had exciting plans, but they never happened. / Tyler’s friend talked big but never showed up to play.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends promise fun but don’t bring joy. / They sound exciting but don’t do much.
17. A fake friend is like a pencil without lead.
Meaning: They look right but can’t do the job.
To Provide an Example: Ben asked his friend for help, but he didn’t even try. / Mia’s friend looked like she was helping but just copied from others.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t really help you. / They seem ready, but they’re not useful.
18. A fake friend is like a map with the wrong directions.
Meaning: They lead you the wrong way.
To Provide an Example: Emma’s friend told her not to say sorry even when she was wrong. / Jay’s friend told him to skip class so they could play.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends give bad advice. / They lead you into trouble.
19. A fake friend is like an umbrella with holes.
Meaning: They can’t protect you when it rains.
To Provide an Example: Sarah counted on her friend during a bad day, but he laughed at her. / Chris thought his friend would help, but he just watched.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t stand up for you. / They don’t help when things are hard.
20. A fake friend is like a light switch that flickers.
Meaning: They change how they treat you all the time.
To Provide an Example: Ava’s friend was kind one day and rude the next. / Liam’s friend acted like his buddy when others weren’t around, but ignored him later.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are not steady. / You never know how they will treat you.
21. A fake friend is like a coin with two faces.
Meaning: They show one side to you and a different one to others.
To Provide an Example: Ella’s friend was sweet to her but talked badly about her to others. / Jack’s friend said he liked him, but then made fun of him to classmates.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are not honest. / They change depending on who is around.
22. A fake friend is like a chair with a loose leg.
Meaning: You can’t count on them to hold you up.
To Provide an Example: Lily leaned on her friend for help, but her friend backed away. / Josh thought his friend would stand by him, but he didn’t.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are not dependable. / They let you down when you trust them.
23. A fake friend is like a pie with no filling.
Meaning: They look good but have nothing inside.
To Provide an Example: Sarah’s friend acted sweet but never really cared. / David’s friend made promises but never kept them.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t have real kindness. / They seem caring, but it’s just for show.
24. A fake friend is like a basketball with no air.
Meaning: You can’t play with it the way you should.
To Provide an Example: Ben tried to play a game, but his friend wouldn’t pass the ball. / Ava’s friend only joined in when she was winning.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t work as a team. / They make things harder instead of easier.
25. A fake friend is like a flashlight with weak batteries.
Meaning: They don’t help light the way.
To Provide an Example: Max was scared during the trip, but his friend didn’t stay with him. / Emma needed help finding her way in a tough moment, but her friend stayed quiet.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t help you see clearly. / They don’t guide you or stay close when it’s dark.
26. A fake friend is like a cupcake with no sugar.
Meaning: They may look sweet but don’t make you happy.
To Provide an Example: Lily thought her friend was fun, but she always ended up feeling sad. / Noah’s friend laughed with him but also teased him later.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends seem sweet but leave you feeling bad. / They don’t bring real joy.
27. A fake friend is like a bridge that ends in the middle.
Meaning: They don’t take you all the way.
To Provide an Example: Grace’s friend helped at first but quit when things got hard. / Leo’s friend said he’d be there but left halfway through.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends stop helping when it gets tough. / They don’t finish what they start with you.
28. A fake friend is like a sock with a hole.
Meaning: You don’t notice at first, but it hurts later.
To Provide an Example: Tyler trusted his friend, but he told everyone his secret. / Chloe didn’t think anything was wrong, then her friend lied.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends surprise you by hurting you. / You don’t always see the problem right away.
29. A fake friend is like a snowman in the sun.
Meaning: They melt away when things get warm.
To Provide an Example: Emma’s friend left her when she became friends with someone else. / Jacob’s friend stopped talking to him when he joined a new group.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends leave when things change. / They don’t last long.
30. A fake friend is like a TV with no sound.
Meaning: They’re there, but not really helping.
To Provide an Example: Olivia’s friend was always around but didn’t say anything helpful. / Mason’s friend sat with him but didn’t talk or listen.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t speak up when they should. / They’re near but not really with you.
31. A fake friend is like a lock with the wrong key.
Meaning: They don’t fit when you need real support.
To Provide an Example: Mia asked her friend to talk, but she just changed the subject. / Logan needed comfort, but his friend made jokes instead.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t understand what you need. / They can’t open the door to real friendship.
32. A fake friend is like a seesaw with only one side.
Meaning: They want fun, but not balance.
To Provide an Example: Lily’s friend only played when she picked the game. / Ethan’s friend always wanted his turn but never shared.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t make things fair. / They want it their way all the time.
33. A fake friend is like a coat with no buttons.
Meaning: They can’t keep you warm when it’s cold.
To Provide an Example: Sarah’s friend left her out when others were being mean. / Jason’s friend didn’t speak up when he saw someone hurt Jason’s feelings.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t protect you. / They let you stay in the cold.
34. A fake friend is like a toy that only works when watched.
Meaning: They only act nice when others are around.
To Provide an Example: Grace’s friend was sweet in class but rude at lunch. / Tyler’s friend smiled at him in front of the teacher but ignored him at recess.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends perform for others. / They act kind only when someone is looking.
35. A fake friend is like a book with missing pages.
Meaning: You can’t follow the story because parts are gone.
To Provide an Example: Emily’s friend never told the whole truth. / Aiden’s friend skipped parts of the story to make himself look better.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends leave out facts. / You never get the full truth.
36. A fake friend is like a sandwich with no filling.
Meaning: They don’t give what you expect.
To Provide an Example: Sophia thought her friend would cheer her up, but she didn’t say a word. / James brought a gift, but his friend didn’t even say thank you.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t return your care. / They look like friends, but don’t act like them.
37. A fake friend is like a roller skate with a broken wheel.
Meaning: They make the ride bumpy and hard.
To Provide an Example: Olivia’s friend always started drama at recess. / Ryan’s friend made fun of others and got Ryan in trouble too.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends cause problems. / They slow you down instead of helping you.
38. A fake friend is like a mirror that lies.
Meaning: They don’t reflect the truth.
To Provide an Example: Ava’s friend said she looked fine, but laughed about her clothes later. / Liam’s friend said he did great, then told others he didn’t.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends hide their real thoughts. / They don’t help you see the truth.
39. A fake friend is like a lunchbox with no food.
Meaning: They can’t give you what you need.
To Provide an Example: Ellie asked her friend for help, but she just shrugged. / Noah was feeling down, but his friend walked away.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are empty when it matters. / They don’t feed your heart.
40. A fake friend is like a joke with no punchline.
Meaning: They leave you confused and hurt.
To Provide an Example: Grace’s friend always teased her and said “I was just kidding.” / Evan’s friend made him the center of every joke.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends hide meanness behind jokes. / They laugh while you feel sad.
41. A fake friend is like a clock that doesn’t tick.
Meaning: They don’t move forward with you.
To Provide an Example: Sam’s friend didn’t grow with him. She wanted to stay stuck. / Ella wanted to try new things, but her friend didn’t support her.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t help you grow. / They don’t keep up with your goals.
42. A fake friend is like glitter that won’t stick.
Meaning: They sparkle at first but fall away fast.
To Provide an Example: Mia’s friend gave her compliments one day, and ignored her the next. / Logan’s friend liked being in photos but never called to hang out.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends shine, but don’t stay. / They care about being seen, not being true.
43. A fake friend is like a firework that burns out fast.
Meaning: They start big and bright, then vanish.
To Provide an Example: Harper’s friend was very friendly at first, but moved on quickly. / Alex’s friend said they’d be best friends forever, but stopped talking after one week.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends lose interest quickly. / They don’t stick around.
44. A fake friend is like a puddle that looks deep but is shallow.
Meaning: They act like they care a lot, but really don’t.
To Provide an Example: Bella’s friend said she cared, but told others her secrets. / Jake’s friend acted serious, but laughed when Jake was upset.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends pretend to care deeply. / Their feelings are not real.
45. A fake friend is like a jacket that only fits in summer.
Meaning: They don’t work when things get hard.
To Provide an Example: Zoe’s friend was fun on happy days, but disappeared on sad ones. / Luke’s friend helped with easy stuff, but not the hard things.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t fit all the time. / They’re not built for real life.
46. A fake friend is like a cupcake that looks perfect but tastes bad.
Meaning: They look sweet but don’t treat you well.
To Provide an Example: Ava’s friend smiled at her but rolled her eyes when she turned around. / Dylan’s friend gave him a gift but made fun of it later.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends are all show. / They’re not as nice as they seem.
47. A fake friend is like sand in your shoe.
Meaning: They seem small but cause a lot of trouble.
To Provide an Example: Emma’s friend kept saying little mean things every day. / Nathan’s friend made small lies that added up.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends don’t seem bad at first. / But they make you uncomfortable over time.
48. A fake friend is like a toy that only works with batteries you don’t have.
Meaning: They need more than you can give.
To Provide an Example: Olivia’s friend only liked her when she bought things. / Ben’s friend stopped talking when he didn’t bring snacks.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends want things from you. / They don’t like you just for you.
49. A fake friend is like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Meaning: The friendship never feels complete.
To Provide an Example: Lily’s friend didn’t invite her to birthdays. / Owen’s friend never said thank you or sorry.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends leave something out. / You feel like something is always missing.
50. A fake friend is like a paper boat in a storm.
Meaning: They fall apart when things go wrong.
To Provide an Example: Chloe needed help, but her friend gave up right away. / Jason’s friend stopped being nice when he was having a bad day.
Alternative Meaning: Fake friends can’t handle problems. / They sink when life gets hard.
Trials for Success: Metaphors about Fake Friends
- When I stopped bringing cool markers to school, my friend stopped talking to me. He was like a __________.
- My friend promised to help with the group project but didn’t do anything. She was like a __________.
- My friend looked kind, but she laughed at me behind my back. She was like a __________.
- I told my friend a secret, and he shared it with everyone. That felt like a __________.
- My friend only sits with me when I have snacks. She is like a __________.
- My friend stopped playing with me when I got hurt. He acted like a __________.
- My friend smiled in front of the teacher but was mean at lunch. She was like a __________.
- I asked for help, but my friend just walked away. That was like a __________.
- When I had a problem, my friend said it was my fault. That felt like a __________.
- My friend said she would come to my game, but she didn’t show up. She was like a __________.
- My friend always made jokes that hurt my feelings. That felt like a __________.
- My friend was nice for one week, then forgot about me. That felt like a __________.
- My friend acted different depending on who was around. He was like a __________.
- My friend said she’d sit with me at lunch, but sat with someone else. She was like a __________.
- My friend didn’t stand up for me when I got teased. That made him like a __________.
Answer Key
- shadow
- broken pencil
- plastic plant
- sock with a hole
- toy that only works with batteries you don’t have
- balloon
- toy that only works when watched
- umbrella with holes
- map with the wrong directions
- bridge that ends in the middle
- joke with no punchline
- firework that burns out fast
- coin with two faces
- light switch that flickers
- coat with no buttons
Conclusion
Fake friends may seem kind at first, but their actions show the truth. They may only want to play when things are easy or fun. Real friends care, help, and stay with you during hard times too.
Using simple pictures in words, like metaphors, helps us understand how fake friends act. These ideas can help you pick friends who are honest, kind, and stay by your side. Choose friends who treat you well, just like you treat them.
