English Reference
Idiom idiom

friends in low places


Friends who have underworld connections or are involved in shady underdealings.

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


SIMPLE

“He gets into trouble because he has friends in low places.”

CONTEXTUAL

“The detective warned the young officer to be careful, as the suspect clearly had friends in low places who could help him escape.”

COMPLEX

“Despite his polished public reputation, the politician's sudden access to illicit funds suggested he maintained friends in low places who operated far outside the law.”


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

    fair-weather friend

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

  7. 07

    fall into place

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

  8. 08

    feathered friend

    A bird.

Last updated August 10, 2026