A friend in need is a friend indeed

Definitions

• loyalty and true friendship
  Someone who is there for you in times of need and hardship, showing their true loyalty and dedication to your friendship.

• fair-weather friendship
  Someone who only pretends to be a friend when everything is going well, but disappears when you are facing difficulties or challenges.

Examples of A friend in need is a friend indeed

• When Sarah lost her job unexpectedly, her friend Rachel was there to offer her support and encouragement. Rachel helped Sarah update her resume, apply for new jobs, and even offered to lend her some money until Sarah could get back on her feet. Sarah was grateful for Rachel's kindness and knew that she had a true friend in Rachel indeed.

  The idiom "a friend in need is a friend indeed" means that a person who is there for you when you need them is a true and loyal friend. It suggests that true friends are not just around when things are going well, but also when times are tough. In the example above, Rachel demonstrated that she was a true friend to Sarah in her time of need.

Conclusion

This idiom highlights the importance of true friendship and loyalty. It implies that a friend who is there for you in difficult times is a true friend, while someone who only sticks around when things are going well is not a reliable friend. It serves as a reminder to value and cherish those who are there for us when we need them the most.

Origin of "A friend in need is a friend indeed"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who first expressed this concept in his book "Nicomachean Ethics." He wrote, "In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. They keep the young out of mischief; they comfort and aid the old in their weakness, and they incite those in the prime of life to noble deeds."

The phrase was popularized in English in the 16th century by poet and playwright William Shakespeare in his play "Timon of Athens." In the play, a character says, "Whoever hath friend hath one, to add to his own plenty, and whoever hath no friend, is poor indeed." This is believed to be the inspiration for the modern version of the idiom.

The idiom has since become a widely used phrase to describe the value of true friendship and the importance of being there for one another in times of need. It serves as a reminder to be a good friend and to appreciate those who are true friends to us.