Goodbyes are a part of life, but sometimes they can be difficult to say. Whether you’re parting ways with a friend, leaving a job, or saying goodbye to a chapter of your life, expressing your farewell in a memorable way can make the moment less awkward and more meaningful. That’s where idioms come in! Idioms are fun, creative phrases that allow us to express emotions and ideas in unique ways. They can help you say goodbye with a little more flair and style.
In this article, we’re going to explore 45 idioms you can use when it’s time to bid farewell. From the lighthearted to the more heartfelt, these expressions will add color to your goodbyes, making them not just a simple parting, but a statement. Whether you’re learning these idioms for fun or for practical use, understanding them will make you sound like a natural speaker, ready to tackle conversations with confidence.
Idioms for Goodbye
1. Hit the road
Meaning: To leave or begin a journey.
In a Sentence: After the party, it’s time to hit the road and head home.
Other Ways to Say: Leave, Head out
2. See you later
Meaning: A casual way of saying goodbye, implying that you’ll meet again.
In a Sentence: I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you later.
Other Ways to Say: Catch you later, Talk soon
3. Take care
Meaning: A friendly way of wishing someone well as they leave.
In a Sentence: It was great seeing you, take care!
Other Ways to Say: Be well, Stay safe
4. Catch you on the flip side
Meaning: An informal way to say goodbye, often used by friends.
In a Sentence: Alright, I’m out, catch you on the flip side!
Other Ways to Say: See you soon, Catch you later
5. Peace out
Meaning: A casual and laid-back way of saying goodbye.
In a Sentence: It’s getting late, so I’m going to peace out now.
Other Ways to Say: Later, Bye for now
6. Till we meet again
Meaning: A sentimental farewell, often used when you expect to meet the person again in the future.
In a Sentence: It was a pleasure working with you, till we meet again!
Other Ways to Say: Until next time, Farewell
7. Adieu
Meaning: A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say goodbye.
In a Sentence: Adieu, my friend. I wish you the best!
Other Ways to Say: Farewell, Godspeed
8. So long
Meaning: A way of saying goodbye, often with a hint of finality.
In a Sentence: It’s been great, so long!
Other Ways to Say: Goodbye, See you later
9. Bon voyage
Meaning: A French phrase used to wish someone a good trip.
In a Sentence: Bon voyage! Have a fantastic time on your vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Safe travels, Have a great trip
10. I’m out
Meaning: A casual, laid-back way of saying you’re leaving.
In a Sentence: Well, I’m out. See you later!
Other Ways to Say: Peace out, I’m off
11. Catch you later
Meaning: A casual way to say goodbye, with the expectation of meeting again soon.
In a Sentence: I’ll catch you later at the coffee shop.
Other Ways to Say: See you soon, Talk to you later
12. Until next time
Meaning: A way of saying goodbye while implying that you will meet again.
In a Sentence: It was awesome hanging out, until next time!
Other Ways to Say: See you later, Talk soon
13. Take it easy
Meaning: A way to tell someone to relax and not worry, often used as a goodbye.
In a Sentence: Take it easy, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Other Ways to Say: Stay cool, Relax
14. Later alligator
Meaning: A playful and fun way of saying goodbye.
In a Sentence: Later alligator! See you tomorrow!
Other Ways to Say: In a while, crocodile, See you soon
15. It’s been real
Meaning: A way to express that you enjoyed your time, but now it’s time to leave.
In a Sentence: Well, it’s been real, but I’ve got to go now.
Other Ways to Say: It was fun, See you later
16. Until we cross paths again
Meaning: A poetic and heartfelt way of saying goodbye, hoping that you will meet again.
In a Sentence: I’m going to miss you, but I hope until we cross paths again.
Other Ways to Say: Hope to see you soon, Until we meet again
17. Have a good one
Meaning: A casual way to wish someone well as they leave.
In a Sentence: Alright, have a good one!
Other Ways to Say: Take care, Enjoy your day
18. Fare thee well
Meaning: A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say goodbye.
In a Sentence: Fare thee well, and may your journey be full of joy!
Other Ways to Say: Goodbye, Take care
19. Sayonara
Meaning: A Japanese word for goodbye, often used when parting for a longer time.
In a Sentence: Sayonara! I’ll miss you while you’re away.
Other Ways to Say: Farewell, Until next time
20. Have a safe journey
Meaning: A way to wish someone safety on their travels.
In a Sentence: Have a safe journey, I hope you have a fantastic trip.
Other Ways to Say: Safe travels, Bon voyage
21. Take a hike
Meaning: A fun and casual way to say goodbye, often implying that the person is leaving.
In a Sentence: Well, take a hike! I’ve got work to do.
Other Ways to Say: Get going, Head out
22. I’m outta here
Meaning: A casual way of saying you’re leaving.
In a Sentence: It’s getting late, so I’m outta here.
Other Ways to Say: I’m off, Time to go
23. See you when I see you
Meaning: An informal way to say goodbye when you’re not sure when you’ll meet again.
In a Sentence: Alright, see you when I see you!
Other Ways to Say: Until next time, Catch you later
24. Off I go
Meaning: A playful way to announce that you’re leaving.
In a Sentence: Off I go! See you soon!
Other Ways to Say: Heading out, Time to leave
25. Gotta bounce
Meaning: A casual and playful way to say you need to leave.
In a Sentence: Gotta bounce, but we’ll talk soon!
Other Ways to Say: I’ve got to go, See you later
26. On your way
Meaning: A way to tell someone they can go ahead and leave.
In a Sentence: Don’t let me keep you, you’re on your way!
Other Ways to Say: Go ahead, Leave when you’re ready
27. Make like a tree and leave
Meaning: A humorous and lighthearted way of saying goodbye.
In a Sentence: Make like a tree and leave before I change my mind!
Other Ways to Say: Get going, Take off
28. Goodnight, sleep tight
Meaning: A way to say goodbye at night, wishing the person a peaceful sleep.
In a Sentence: Goodnight, sleep tight, see you tomorrow!
Other Ways to Say: Sweet dreams, Rest well
29. So long, farewell
Meaning: A formal way to say goodbye, often with a touch of emotion.
In a Sentence: So long, farewell, and good luck with everything!
Other Ways to Say: Goodbye, Wishing you the best
30. Parting is such sweet sorrow
Meaning: A poetic way of saying goodbye, emphasizing the sadness of parting.
In a Sentence: Parting is such sweet sorrow, but I’ll see you soon.
Other Ways to Say: Farewell, Till we meet again
31. I’ll be seeing you
Meaning: A casual, reassuring way to say goodbye, implying you’ll meet again.
In a Sentence: Well, I’ll be seeing you around!
Other Ways to Say: See you soon, Talk later
32. Until then
Meaning: A way of saying goodbye with the expectation that you’ll meet again soon.
In a Sentence: It’s been great, until then!
Other Ways to Say: See you soon, Catch you later
33. Take a bow
Meaning: To say goodbye, especially after completing something well.
In a Sentence: You’ve done a great job, take a bow and see you later!
Other Ways to Say: Well done, Take a rest
34. Time to hit the hay
Meaning: A fun way of saying goodbye when heading to bed.
In a Sentence: I’ve had a long day, so it’s time to hit the hay.
Other Ways to Say: Time to sleep, Off to bed
35. Off like a dirty shirt
Meaning: A funny way to say you’re leaving quickly or suddenly.
In a Sentence: He’s off like a dirty shirt, running out the door!
Other Ways to Say: Gone in a flash, Outta here
36. Catch you on the rebound
Meaning: A playful way of saying you’ll meet again later after some time apart.
In a Sentence: Catch you on the rebound, we’ll catch up soon!
Other Ways to Say: See you soon, Talk to you later
37. Make an exit
Meaning: A formal way to say you’re leaving.
In a Sentence: It’s getting late, so I think it’s time to make an exit.
Other Ways to Say: Leave, Head out
38. It’s been a pleasure
Meaning: A polite way of saying goodbye when you’ve enjoyed the time spent with someone.
In a Sentence: It’s been a pleasure working with you. Goodbye!
Other Ways to Say: I enjoyed it, It was nice to see you
39. ‘Til the next one
Meaning: A casual way of saying goodbye until the next time you meet.
In a Sentence: Well, ‘til the next one, I’ll see you soon!
Other Ways to Say: Until next time, Catch you later
40. Gonna head out
Meaning: A casual way of saying you are leaving.
In a Sentence: Alright, I’m gonna head out, see you later!
Other Ways to Say: Heading out, I’m off
41. I’m going to bail
Meaning: To leave a place or situation, often because you want to or need to.
In a Sentence: The party’s over for me, I’m going to bail.
Other Ways to Say: I’m leaving, Time to go
42. Have a good one
Meaning: A friendly way of saying goodbye, wishing someone well.
In a Sentence: It was great seeing you! Have a good one!
Other Ways to Say: Take care, Be well
43. It’s time to bounce
Meaning: A playful way to say goodbye, often used by younger people.
In a Sentence: Alright, it’s time to bounce!
Other Ways to Say: Time to go, I’m outta here
44. I’m out the door
Meaning: A simple and direct way to say goodbye when leaving.
In a Sentence: I’ve got to go, I’m out the door!
Other Ways to Say: Leaving now, Heading out
45. Let’s call it a day
Meaning: To decide that it’s time to stop for the day and leave.
In a Sentence: We’ve been working hard, let’s call it a day!
Other Ways to Say: Time to go home, We’re done here
Exercise to Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the list above:
- After a fun day out, it’s time to _______.
- I’ve had a great time, but now I’m going to _______.
- I’ll see you soon, _______!
- It’s getting late, so I think I’m going to _______ now.
- Don’t forget to _______ before leaving for your vacation!
- We’ve been talking for hours—_______!
- It was lovely seeing you again. _______, and I hope we meet soon.
- The meeting is over, so I’m going to _______ now.
- I’ll catch you later, _______.
- After the movie, I decided to _______ and head home.
- The party was fun, but now it’s time to _______.
- It’s been great, but _______!
- I’ll be heading out now, _______!
- _______, I’ll talk to you soon!
- I’m going to _______ and take a nap now.
Answers:
- hit the road
- catch you on the flip side
- take care
- make an exit
- have a good one
- peace out
- until we meet again
- I’m out
- see you later
- peace out
- time to bounce
- so long
- I’m out the door
- catch you later
- hit the hay
Conclusion
Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be a somber affair. With these 45 idioms for goodbye, you can bring some fun and creativity into the moment, leaving people with a smile instead of a frown. Whether you’re leaving a meeting, parting ways with a friend, or heading out on an adventure, these expressions will make your goodbyes memorable. So go ahead, use one of these idioms next time you say farewell and leave a lasting impression!
