English Reference
Idiom idiom

friends in high places


Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He got the job because he has friends in high places.

CONTEXTUAL

She avoided a heavy fine for the parking violation because she has friends in high places at city hall.

COMPLEX

Despite the lack of formal qualifications, his rapid promotion was widely attributed to his having friends in high places within the corporate hierarchy.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all-weather friend

    One who is friendly, helpful, or available at all times regardless of the circumstances.

  2. 02

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  3. 03

    asking for a friend

    Indicates that a question is embarrassing by pretending to be posing the question on behalf of another person.

  4. 04

    better place

    Heaven; happiness after death.

  5. 05

    come from a good place

    To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

  6. 06

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

  7. 07

    fair-weather friend

    One who is friendly, helpful, or available only when it is advantageous or convenient to be so.

  8. 08

    fall into place

    To assume a clear and complete form when separate elements come together; to be fully realized at last.

Last updated August 10, 2026