[Idiom] FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND. - Identifying Unreliable Friends in Your Circle

Fair-weather friend.

Fair-weather friend.

unreliable friend

A 'Fair-weather friend' is someone who is only around and supportive when things are going well. The metaphor suggests a friend who disappears when 'weather'—i.e., life—becomes tough, revealing a relationship that's dependable only in good circumstances, much like good weather.

Example Sentences

  1. A fair-weather friend won't stand by you in tough times.

    A friend who only supports you during good times won't help during tough times.

  2. He realized she was a fair-weather friend after he lost his job.

    He discovered she wasn't a true friend after he faced difficulties.

  3. Don't be a fair-weather friend; true friends stick around.

    Be a loyal friend who stays around irrespective of circumstances.

Time really flies when you're having fun!
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