A genuine friend on whom one can always depend. A proverb; often shortened to "a friend in need..." When John's house burned down, his neighbor Jim helped him and his family with shelter, food and clothing. John said, "Jim, a friend in need is a friend indeed this describes you."
A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED
Meaning of A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED in English
American idioms English vocabulary. Английский словарь американских идиом. 2012