loyal ally
1
2.8
- noun
:
aliado leal
- Our northern neighbors are good and loyal allies (at least those in uniform; not sure about their politicians).
- the most loyal ally
Examples
-
It was viewed as a reward to loyal allies who had supported the Grenada invasion but were dissatisfied with CBI results to date.
Academic text (1998) -
In fact, Poland has shown it is a loyal ally of the US and has had nothing in return—neither militarily nor visa-wise.
Blog text (5) -
Scientific curiosity becomes a loyal ally during such times.
Blog text (2) -
Each country understands that anti-Americanism can only serve to distance that country from a reliable and loyal ally.
Blog text (28) -
Cortes's most serious battle was with the Tlaxcaltecs, who later became his most loyal allies.
Fiction book (1992) -
It was not only Paris and Berlin that parted ways with Washington; so did Ankara, a long-standing and loyal ally.
Academic text (2003) -
Throughout history, Britain has proven to be a loyal ally to the United States during times of conflict.
-
The scout was recognized as a loyal ally, always ready to assist in missions and provide crucial intelligence.
-
They have stood by each other as loyal allies, facing challenges together and never losing trust.
Synonyms
503
1.0
A person who supports and helps someone, group, or cause
12
7.6
A loyal and reliable person who supports a group
10
1.0
A person who always supports you and can be trusted
4
3.8
A person who stays loyal to a cause or someone even when it is difficult
2
3.4
A person, group, or country that gives strong and reliable help
1
2.8
A person or animal who stays with and supports you in hard times
1
3.9
A person, group, or country that strongly supports and stays loyal to another
A loyal friend who stays with you in hard times
A loyal friend or partner who always supports you
Antonyms
- Offensive
381
3.9
A person who breaks the trust of their country, group, or friend to help an enemy
How Loyal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'loyal' (showing unwavering support) with 'ally' (a supporter); the adjective-noun composition yields an ally who is faithful and consistently supportive. This is a straightforward, compositional collocation common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Loyal ally paints a simple picture: ally is someone who stands at your side and loyal means they will not leave, so it refers to 'a person who always supports you and can be trusted'.