ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fair-weather friend

idiom
Meaning

One who is friendly, helpful, or available only when it is advantageous or convenient to be so.


Origin

disputed origin

From fair-weather + friend, drawing an analogy between good weather and trouble-free times.

Examples
SIMPLE

He only calls when he needs money — a real fair-weather friend.

CONTEXTUAL

When she lost her job, she realized most of her colleagues were just fair-weather friends.

COMPLEX

The politician, surrounded by fair-weather friends during his rise to power, found himself utterly alone once the scandal broke and his influence evaporated.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    all-weather friend

    One who is friendly, helpful, or available at all times regardless of the circumstances.

  2. 02

    asking for a friend

    Indicates that a question is embarrassing by pretending to be posing the question on behalf of another person.

  3. 03

    fair-weather fan

    A fan who only pays attention to their favorite team when they are performing well.

  4. 04

    feathered friend

    A bird.

  5. 05

    fine-feathered friend

    A well-dressed person.

  6. 06

    friend of Bill W.

    A recovering alcoholic, especially one who is a member of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous.

  7. 07

    friend with benefits

    A friend with whom one has a casual sexual relationship.

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