Saying goodbye can be a simple part of everyday conversation, but sometimes, it’s more meaningful than just a quick farewell. Whether you’re leaving a loved one, ending a phone call, or closing a chapter in life, choosing the right words to say goodbye can leave a lasting impression. In this article, we’ll explore 25 idioms for goodbye that help you express warmth, care, and thoughtful phrasing. These expressions add personality and emotion, making your farewells more heartfelt and memorable.
Each idiom comes with a clear meaning, example sentence, best use advice, and alternative ways to say goodbye. Whether you want to keep things casual or deeply emotional, this guide will give you plenty of ways to say goodbye in a way that feels just right.
1. Parting ways
Meaning: To separate or go in different directions.
In a sentence: After years of working together, they decided it was time to part ways.
Best use: Use this when ending a professional relationship or friendship on respectful terms.
Other ways to say: Go separate ways, split up, take different paths.
2. Take care
Meaning: A warm way to say goodbye, wishing someone well.
In a sentence: It was great seeing you—take care!
Best use: Ideal for casual or heartfelt goodbyes, showing you care about the other person’s wellbeing.
Other ways to say: Stay safe, be well, look after yourself.
3. Until we meet again
Meaning: A hopeful farewell, suggesting you’ll see each other in the future.
In a sentence: This isn’t goodbye, just until we meet again.
Best use: Perfect for long-distance friends or family, expressing optimism about future reunions.
Other ways to say: See you later, catch you soon, till next time.
4. Sayonara
Meaning: A Japanese word for goodbye, often used to imply a longer or more formal farewell.
In a sentence: She waved and said, “Sayonara,” before boarding the plane.
Best use: Great for adding a cultural or dramatic flair to your goodbye.
Other ways to say: Farewell, adieu, goodbye.
5. See you around
Meaning: An informal way to say goodbye, implying you’ll see each other again soon.
In a sentence: I’m heading out now, see you around!
Best use: Casual parting phrase used among friends or coworkers.
Other ways to say: Catch you later, see you soon, drop by anytime.
6. Catch you later
Meaning: A friendly, informal way to say goodbye, implying future contact.
In a sentence: I’ve got to run, but I’ll catch you later!
Best use: Perfect for casual conversations, texts, or chats among peers.
Other ways to say: Talk soon, see you later, drop you a line.
7. Farewell
Meaning: A formal and sometimes poetic way to say goodbye.
In a sentence: We bid him farewell at the retirement party.
Best use: Use this for formal occasions or when expressing respect and best wishes.
Other ways to say: Goodbye, adieu, godspeed.
8. Godspeed
Meaning: A wish for a safe journey or success.
In a sentence: Godspeed on your new adventure!
Best use: Appropriate for send-offs involving travel, big life changes, or new endeavors.
Other ways to say: Safe travels, best of luck, bon voyage.
9. Take it easy
Meaning: A relaxed way to say goodbye, encouraging someone to stay calm or chill.
In a sentence: Thanks for hanging out today. Take it easy!
Best use: Casual and friendly, perfect with close friends and family.
Other ways to say: Chill out, relax, no worries.
10. See you later, alligator
Meaning: A playful, rhyming goodbye often used with children or in informal contexts.
In a sentence: “See you later, alligator!” she shouted as he left.
Best use: Lighthearted farewells with kids or close friends.
Other ways to say: In a while, crocodile, catch you later.
11. Time to hit the road
Meaning: A casual way to say it’s time to leave.
In a sentence: It’s getting late, time to hit the road.
Best use: Informal goodbyes when leaving a place or event.
Other ways to say: Let’s roll, off we go, time to bounce.
12. Take a rain check
Meaning: Postponing a goodbye or meeting for another time.
In a sentence: I can’t stay long today—let’s take a rain check.
Best use: Useful for social plans when you want to say goodbye but promise to reconnect.
Other ways to say: Postpone, reschedule, catch up later.
13. I’m off
Meaning: A simple way to say you are leaving.
In a sentence: Well, I’m off—talk to you tomorrow!
Best use: Informal, commonly used in spoken English.
Other ways to say: I’m out, heading out, gotta go.
14. See you in the funny papers
Meaning: A humorous way to say goodbye, implying you’ll see someone soon.
In a sentence: Alright, buddy, see you in the funny papers!
Best use: Light and playful farewells with close friends.
Other ways to say: Catch you later, see you soon, until next time.
15. Parting is such sweet sorrow
Meaning: A poetic phrase expressing sadness at saying goodbye.
In a sentence: As they hugged, she whispered, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Best use: When you want to express deep emotion and tenderness.
Other ways to say: Goodbye is bittersweet, sad to leave, see you again soon.
16. Make tracks
Meaning: To leave quickly or start a journey.
In a sentence: It’s late, we should make tracks.
Best use: Informal and energetic, good for when you need to leave promptly.
Other ways to say: Hit the road, get going, move out.
17. Keep in touch
Meaning: An encouragement to stay connected.
In a sentence: Don’t be a stranger—keep in touch!
Best use: When parting from friends or colleagues you want to stay close with.
Other ways to say: Stay connected, reach out, drop me a line.
18. See you on the flip side
Meaning: A casual phrase meaning “see you later” or “see you next time.”
In a sentence: Alright, I’m heading out—see you on the flip side!
Best use: Informal, fun, and upbeat farewells.
Other ways to say: Catch you later, see you soon, till next time.
19. Until next time
Meaning: A hopeful goodbye implying you’ll meet again.
In a sentence: Thanks for coming by—until next time!
Best use: Great for casual or semi-formal situations.
Other ways to say: See you soon, till then, looking forward to it.
20. Adieu
Meaning: A formal French goodbye meaning “until God.”
In a sentence: They said adieu before parting ways at the station.
Best use: Formal or poetic farewells.
Other ways to say: Farewell, goodbye, au revoir.
21. Later gator
Meaning: A fun and informal goodbye often paired with “see you later, alligator.”
In a sentence: I’m off now—later gator!
Best use: Playful and informal goodbyes among friends.
Other ways to say: See you later, alligator; catch you later.
22. Bon voyage
Meaning: A French phrase wishing someone a good trip.
In a sentence: Bon voyage! Have a safe flight.
Best use: When someone is traveling.
Other ways to say: Safe travels, godspeed, have a great trip.
23. I must be going
Meaning: A polite way to announce you’re leaving.
In a sentence: It’s been lovely chatting, but I must be going.
Best use: Formal or semi-formal contexts where politeness is key.
Other ways to say: I’m leaving now, time to head out, got to run.
24. See you in a bit
Meaning: A casual phrase meaning you’ll see someone soon.
In a sentence: I’m grabbing coffee—see you in a bit!
Best use: Informal, friendly goodbye for short absences.
Other ways to say: See you soon, be right back, catch you later.
25. Take it sleazy
Meaning: A humorous, informal way to say goodbye.
In a sentence: Alright, take it sleazy, folks!
Best use: Among close friends or in lighthearted settings.
Other ways to say: Take care, chill out, stay cool.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be plain or routine. Using idioms for goodbye adds warmth, personality, and care to your farewells. Whether you want to be formal, playful, or deeply emotional, these 25 idioms provide you with thoughtful ways to express yourself. Next time you say goodbye, try one of these expressions and watch how it enriches your connection with the people you care about. Remember, a goodbye isn’t just an ending — it’s also a chance to show kindness, hope, and sincerity.
