A friend in need is a friend indeed.

What is the meaning of “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”?

Does it mean that a friend who wants something from you is likely to suck up to you? (“A friend who wants something is very friendly – at least until he gets it”) Or is it that when you are in need, and a friend is there for you, that shows you who your true friends are? (“A friend who remains a friend in your need is a true friend.”)

If Ben Franklin actually said it, I think it may mean the former. But I’ve also seen the phrase called “traditional” and by “anonymous”, so the author may have meant the latter. So part two of the question is: Did Benjamin Franklin coin the phrase?

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=156772

Basically, it’s the latter.

:smack:

See what happens when I go on vacation? I miss things.

I was going to give Priceguy’s cite, with the opposite conclusion: your first explanation is corret.

In truth, it’s used both ways. I don’t know who coined it, though.