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fair-weather friend
/fˈɛɹwˈɛðɚ fɹˈɛnd/
/fˈeəwˈɛðə fɹˈɛnd/
Fair-weather friend
01
a person who is only a friend during good times and is not supportive or reliable during difficult or challenging times
Disapproving
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "fair-weather friend" and when to use it?
The idiom "fair-weather friend" is derived from the fact that a fair-weather day is a day when the weather is mild and pleasant. Similarly, a fair-weather friend is someone who is only around when things are going well. It is used to describe someone who appears to be a friend but abandons or turns against you when you face hardships or adversity. It highlights the insincerity or lack of true friendship.
Examples
Lisa claimed to be my friend, but she disappeared when I needed her the most. She turned out to be a fair-weather friend.
Whenever I have a problem, John suddenly becomes unavailable. He 's proven himself to be a fair-weather friend time and again.
