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Region: General | Usage example: Watch for fair-weather friends when the project hits delays.

Fair-weather friend

Meaning

Someone supportive only in good times.

Usage

Warns about unreliable persons.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Weather analogy for reliability.

Used in moral essays across the 19th century.

Related Idioms

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks tough but is harmless or unlikely to act.

Apple of my eye

Someone cherished above others.

Bite the hand that feeds you

Harm or disrespect someone who supports you.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.