The idiom "on good terms" means to have a friendly or amicable relationship with someone. It implies that two or more individuals get along well and have mutual respect for one another.

In short:

"On good terms" is used to describe a positive, friendly relationship between people.

What Does "On Good Terms" Mean?

"On good terms" is a casual phrase that refers to maintaining a harmonious relationship with others. People often use this expression in everyday conversations to describe their interactions with friends, family, or colleagues. It indicates that they have a positive connection with these individuals, free from conflict or animosity.

For example, "Even though they divorced, they are still on good terms with each other." This suggests that despite their separation, the two individuals have maintained a friendly relationship.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

• This idiom generally means that people have a friendly relationship without conflicts or disputes.
• People often use this expression in both casual and formal situations to describe their interactions with others.
• It is commonly used to discuss relationships between friends, family members, coworkers, or even countries.

Where Does "On Good Terms" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "on good terms" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The phrase "on good terms" uses the word "terms" to describe the conditions or state of a relationship between people. The addition of the adjective "good" signifies that the relationship is positive or friendly.

Historical Example

"John Lyon kept always saying, that it was right to be on good terms with their lord; but his wishes were just the contrary..."

-Froissart, Sir John. Chronicles of England, France, and Adjoining Countries. Translated by Thomas Johnes, 1804

10 Examples of "On Good Terms" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in various sentences.

• I'm glad to hear that you're on good terms with your father again.
• Despite their differences, the neighboring countries have always been on good terms.
• Thanks for letting me know you're back on good terms with your ex-wife.
• They had a disagreement but managed to resolve it and remain on good terms.
• On good terms with his landlord, he was always granted flexibility with rent payments.
• Despite her bougee lifestyle, she always made an effort to stay on good terms with her old friends.
• On good terms with her classmates, she always felt welcomed and included.
• Your effort to keep us on good terms is much appreciated; it truly means a lot to me.
• She's on good terms with her boss, which has helped her career progress smoothly.
• Don't sell yourself short, and don't be a doormat. You don't need to be on good terms with your tormentor.

Examples of "On Good Terms" in Pop Culture

The phrase "on good terms" frequently appears in pop culture, emphasizing its versatile usage in various situations.

Let's explore some instances:

• "Then, even though no one is angry at you for a long time and they want to be on good terms again, no one wants to make the first move" is a quote from the 1995 book "Telling Lives, Telling History" by Susan Rodgers.
• “I'm on good terms with God, honey, so I'm not afraid of leaving all this. As a matter of fact, I'm just now getting to the good stuff,” is a quote from the 2019 book "All In: A Novel" by L.K. Simonds.
• In the popular TV series Designated Survivor (2016–2019), Kendra Daynes asks Cornelius Moss, "Secretary Moss, did you leave the Kirkman administration on good terms?"

Other/Different Ways to Say "On Good Terms"

The idiom "on good terms" has several synonymous expressions that can be used interchangeably.

Here are some of them:

• In Harmony
• Getting along well
• Amicable relationship
• Friendly terms
• Cordial relations
• On friendly footing

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "On Good Terms":

• What does "on good terms" mean?

"On good terms" is an idiom that means having a friendly, amicable, or harmonious relationship with someone. It indicates that the individuals involved get along well and have mutual respect for one another.

• Can "on good terms" be used in both personal and professional relationships?

Yes, "on good terms" can be used to describe both personal and professional relationships. It can refer to friendships, family relations, or connections between colleagues and even countries.

• Are there any synonyms for "on good terms"?

Yes, there are several synonyms for "on good terms," including: in harmony, getting along well, amicable relationship, friendly terms, cordial relations, and on friendly footing.

• Is "on good terms" a formal or informal expression?

"On good terms" is a casual expression that can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is versatile and widely understood by English speakers.

• Is it possible to be "on bad terms" with someone?

Yes, the phrase "on bad terms" implies that the relationship between two parties is hostile, unfriendly, or marked by conflict.

• How can I use "on good terms" in a sentence?

An example sentence using "on good terms" would be: "Even though they had a disagreement, they were able to resolve their issues and remain on good terms."

• Can "on good terms" be used to describe the relationship between countries?

Yes, "on good terms" can be used to describe the relationship between countries when they have friendly, cooperative, or peaceful relations.

• Is there a similar expression in other languages?

Yes, many languages have similar expressions to convey the concept of being "on good terms" with someone. For example, in Spanish, you can say "llevarse bien" which has a similar meaning.

• Is "on good terms" an American or British English expression?

"On good terms" is an expression that is used in both American and British English, and it is understood by English speakers around the world.

• Can "on good terms" be used to describe a temporary situation?

Yes, being "on good terms" with someone can be a temporary situation. Relationships can change over time, and people may find themselves on good terms with someone, even after previously experiencing conflict or disagreement.

Final Thoughts About "On Good Terms"

The phrase "on good terms" is a useful way to describe friendly, harmonious relationships in a variety of contexts. By using this idiom, you can effectively convey the state of a relationship between individuals, groups, or even countries.

To sum it up:

• "On good terms" is an idiom that means having a friendly, amicable, or harmonious relationship.
• The expression can be used in both personal and professional contexts.
• English speakers widely understand it, and it can be used in both formal and informal situations.