fair-weather friend
One who is friendly, helpful, or available only when it is advantageous or convenient to be so.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He only calls when he needs money — a real fair-weather friend.”
“A fair-weather friend never stays to help when things get difficult.”
“Do not rely on a fair-weather friend during a personal crisis.”
“When she lost her job, she realized most of her colleagues were just fair-weather friends.”
“You can tell he is a fair-weather friend because he disappeared the moment you asked for help moving your heavy furniture.”
“I thought we were close, but you acted like a fair-weather friend by ignoring my calls during my long illness.”
“The politician, surrounded by fair-weather friends during his rise to power, found himself utterly alone once the scandal broke and his influence evaporated.”
From the compound of fair-weather and friend, drawing a literal analogy between hospitable meteorology and periods of personal ease. The term suggests a companion whose presence is contingent upon the absence of social or financial storms.
- 01
all-weather friend
One who is friendly, helpful, or available at all times regardless of the circumstances.
- 02
asking for a friend
Indicates that a question is embarrassing by pretending to be posing the question on behalf of another person.
- 03
fair-weather fan
A fan who only pays attention to their favorite team when they are performing well.
- 04
feathered friend
A bird.
- 05
fine-feathered friend
A well-dressed person.
- 06
friend of Bill W.
A recovering alcoholic, especially one who is a member of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous.
- 07
friend with benefits
A friend with whom one has a casual sexual relationship.
- 08
friends in high places
Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.
Last updated August 10, 2026