fair-weather
Adjective: "Fair-weather" describes something or someone that is reliable, dependable, or present only in favorable or pleasant conditions, and that disappears or fails when difficulties arise. It is most commonly used to characterize people, especially in the phrase "fair-weather friend."
- (He is a friend who is only supportive during good times.)
- (A sailor who only sails in calm weather.)
- (Investors who only invest when conditions are profitable.)
"Fair-weather fan": a supporter of a sports team, political party, or cause who is enthusiastic only when the team or cause is successful.
- The stadium was half-empty after the team's losing streak; many fair-weather fans stayed home. (Supporters who only attend when the team is winning.)
"Fair-weather democracy": a political system that functions democratically only when conditions are stable and prosperous.
- The country's fair-weather democracy collapsed during the economic crisis. (A democracy that fails under stress.)
- Fair-weather friend (n): a friend who is loyal only when circumstances are pleasant or advantageous.
- A fair-weather friend is worse than an open enemy. (Proverb emphasizing the unreliability of such a person.)
- Unreliable: not able to be trusted or depended on.
- Superficial: existing or occurring at or on the surface; shallow in nature.
- Opportunistic: taking immediate advantage of circumstances, often unethically.
A friend in need is a friend indeed: a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble (contrasts with a fair-weather friend).
- When I lost my job, only my true friends supported me; the fair-weather ones disappeared. (Illustrates the opposite of fair-weather behavior.)
Sunshine patriot: a person who professes patriotism only when it is easy or popular (similar to fair-weather friend in a political context).
- During the war, sunshine patriots quickly fled the capital. (Patriots who vanish in times of danger.)