Reg: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Posted by ESC on August 01, 2001

In Reply to: Reg: A friend in need is a friend indeed. posted by Bob on July 31, 2001

: : : Hi All,

: : : Great work and very informative. Am new to this Web site, its kinda interesting. Got to learn a lot. I got a doubt when I was browsing phrases under the "F" category. This phrase " A friend in need is a friend indeed". This is quite a common phrase, used by many. Am a little confused with the meaning given for it. It says " The sad proverbial truth that friends become friendlier when they want something from you.". Well, I was under the impression that a friend who comes to the rescue in times of need is a true friend indeed. Pls do clarify my doubt if I have got it all wrong.

: : : Thanks & Regards,
: : : Lavanya

: : You're right - a friend that stands by you in adversity is a true friend.

: Yes, yes. A friend in (time of) need is a friend, indeed.

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED -- Someone who comes to your aid when you're in difficulty is a true friend. Here is the opposite of the fair-weather friend. The thought is old enough to have a Latin version and variants in medieval English going back to 1275. The modern version is close at hand in Richard Whytford's 'Werke for Householders' : 'A true frende loueth at all tymes and neuer feyleth at nede.'" From The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Ballantine Books, New York, 1985).