be-on-the-same-wavelength
/biː ɒn ðə seɪm ˈweɪv.leŋkθ/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If two people are on the same wavelength, they think or feel similarly. They understand each other easily and agree on the main point.
- We were on the same wavelength from the start.
- My manager and I are not on the same wavelength.
- They clicked because they were on the same wavelength.
Adinary Nuance
This is closer to connect or click than to agree. People can be on the same wavelength even before they speak much, because they understand each other's style or mood. It is more natural in everyday English than saying someone has the same opinion. It can sound friendly, social, or professional.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cùng tần số
- Spanish
- estar en la misma sintonía
- Chinese
- 同频
- Japanese
- 波長が合う
- Korean
- 파장이 맞다
Etymology
This idiom uses the idea of radio waves. It became common in English in the 20th century, when people compared shared thinking to tuning to the same signal.
Common phrases
be on the same wavelengthget on the same wavelengthnot be on the same wavelengthquickly get on the same wavelength
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'be on the same wavelength' formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in speaking and writing. It works well in everyday, business, and academic English.
- Is it the same as 'agree'?
- Not exactly. You can agree with someone without feeling fully on the same wavelength.
- Can I use it for teamwork?
- Yes. It is common when people work well together and understand each other quickly.
- Do native speakers use this often?
- Yes, it is a familiar idiom. It sounds natural in both conversation and email.