Fair-weather friend
English Idiom
Meaning: A fair-weather friend is someone who is only around during good times and disappears when things get tough. They are not reliable in difficult situations and cannot be counted on for support when you need it most.
Origin: The phrase 'fair-weather friend' originated in the early 1700s. It draws a parallel between the idea of 'fair weather'—which is pleasant and enjoyable—and a friend who is only around when times are good. The term likely evolved from nautical language, where 'fair weather' indicated smooth sailing conditions.
Examples
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When Mark lost his job, he quickly realized that Tom was just a fair-weather friend and couldn't be relied upon for support.
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Jane thought she had a lot of friends, but during her illness, only a few stood by her, proving the rest were fair-weather friends.
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In times of prosperity, many people will want to be close to you, but true friends, unlike fair-weather friends, will stay during hardships.
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Maria was disappointed to see how her social circle shrank during her financial difficulties, revealing the fair-weather friends.
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When the company faced a major crisis, several employees showed their true colors as fair-weather friends and left immediately.
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Lucy realized her college friends were fair-weather friends when they stopped inviting her out after she failed a semester.
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The politician's fair-weather friends were nowhere to be seen after his scandal broke out.
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After winning the lottery, John discovered who his real friends were and who the fair-weather friends were.
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Sarah was heartbroken when she found out her best friend was a fair-weather friend who vanished during her breakup.
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During the flood, many neighbors turned out to be fair-weather friends, offering no help when it was needed the most.