on-the-same-wavelength
/ˌɒn ðə seɪm ˈweɪv.leŋkθ/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If two people are on the same wavelength, they think in a similar way and understand each other easily. They agree naturally, often without much explanation.
- We were on the same wavelength from the first meeting.
- My teammate and I are on the same wavelength.
- They are not on the same wavelength about the budget.
Adinary Nuance
On the same wavelength is warmer and more personal than similar ideas like agree or compatible. It suggests easy understanding, shared mood, or natural connection, not just the same opinion. You can be on the same wavelength even when you do not agree on every point.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cùng tần số
- Spanish
- en la misma onda
- Chinese
- 同频
- Japanese
- 波長が合う
- Korean
- 파장이 맞다
Etymology
This idiom comes from radio language in the early 20th century. Two radios on the same wavelength can receive the same signal, so the phrase came to mean easy understanding between people.
Common phrases
be on the same wavelengthget on the same wavelengthnot on the same wavelength
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is on the same wavelength formal or informal?
- It is friendly and common in spoken English, but also fine in informal business writing.
- Is it the same as agree?
- Not exactly. Agree means you have the same opinion. On the same wavelength means you understand each other easily.
- Can I use it for work relationships?
- Yes. It is common for colleagues, teams, and clients who communicate well.
- Can people be on the same wavelength without agreeing?
- Yes. They may understand each other well, even if they still disagree.