fair-weather friend: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fair-weather friend’ mean?
The idiom "fair-weather friend" refers to a person who is only friendly and supportive during good times or when everything is going well, but is not there to offer help or support during difficult times or in times of need.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave someone high and dry" means to abandon or forsake someone in a difficult or helpless situation without any support or assistance.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom "keep a weather eye open" means to be vigilant or observant, particularly in regard to potential dangers or changes in circumstances.
The idiom "how's the weather" is used figuratively to ask about someone's current mood or emotional state.
It implies a casual inquiry into how someone is feeling or what their general disposition is like at the moment.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "helping hand" refers to offering assistance or support to someone who is in need or experiencing difficulties.
The idiom "have someone's back" means to be supportive or protective of someone. It implies being there for someone in times of need or difficulty.
The idiom "hang out to dry" means to leave someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation without support or assistance.
The idiom "friend with benefits" refers to a relationship where two people are friends who also engage in casual sexual activity without any emotional commitment or romantic involvement.
The idiom "friends in low places" means having associations with people who have a low social or moral standing. These may be individuals who are not respected or accepted by society due to their behavior, reputation, or background.
Idiom Insight
"Fair-weather fan" is another commonly used idiom related to the concept of a fair-weather friend. A fair-weather fan is someone who only supports a sports team or an individual athlete when they are winning or successful. Just like a fair-weather friend, a fair-weather fan is not loyal or committed to their support. They jump on the bandwagon during good times but are quick to abandon their allegiance when the going gets tough.
feathered friend is another idiom related to the fair-weather friend. This phrase is used to refer to a bird, specifically a friendly or companionable bird. While it may seem unrelated at first, there is a similarity in the sense of reliability and dependability. A feathered friend, like a true friend, is someone who is always there for you, providing company and support. Unlike a fair-weather friend, a feathered friend is steadfast and consistent, providing unwavering friendship.
When it comes to relationships, having a fair-weather friend can be disappointing and challenging. It can be disheartening to discover that someone you considered a friend is only interested in being around when things are going well. These types of friends may bring joy and excitement to your life during moments of celebration, but they are quick to disappear when you face hardships or need emotional support. Recognizing these characteristics is crucial in order to establish and maintain healthy friendships.
Similarly, fair-weather fans can be frustrating for athletes and sports teams. These fans are not true supporters; they are merely spectators who are attracted to success and popularity. When a sports team or athlete is winning, fair-weather fans cheer them on, proudly displaying their allegiance. However, when the team starts to struggle or the athlete faces adversity, fair-weather fans lose interest and may even criticize or abandon their support. Their loyalty is fickle and conditional, leaving the team or athlete feeling betrayed.
Having a feathered friend, on the other hand, is a blessing. Just like a loyal bird companion, a true friend is someone who is there for you, rain or shine. They provide unwavering support and understanding, no matter the circumstances. A feathered friend will fly to your side, comforting you during difficult times and celebrating with you during moments of triumph. Their loyalty and reliability are a source of strength and comfort in your life.
It is important to recognize the differences between a fair-weather friend, a fair-weather fan, and a feathered friend in order to cultivate healthy relationships and build a strong support system. Surrounding yourself with true friends who are consistently there for you, regardless of the circumstances, is crucial for emotional well-being and personal growth. Like a feathered friend, they will stick by your side and provide comfort and support when you need it most.
The idiom "fair-weather friend" serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of unreliable and opportunistic individuals who only offer support and friendship during favorable circumstances. Similarly, the related idioms "fair-weather fan" and "feathered friend" shed light on the concepts of conditional loyalty and unwavering support. By understanding the implications of these idioms, we can navigate our relationships more effectively and surround ourselves with genuine friends who provide consistent and reliable friendship.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *fair-weather friend* can be used in a sentence:
- He only calls me when he needs something, he's a fair-weather friend.
- She was always there for me during good times, but disappeared during my struggles. She turned out to be a fair-weather friend.
- Don't trust him, he's just a fair-weather friend who will abandon you when things get rough.
More "Friendship" idioms
