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
Slang English vocab. Английский сленговый словарь. 2012