fair-weather
UK[ˌfeəˈweðə(r)]US[ˌferˈweðər]
adj
(of a person) behaving in a particular way or showing a particular attitude only when things are going well or when it is easy to do so
adj
(of a thing) suitable for use only in good weather conditions
Morpheme Breakdown
fair
weather
fair
clear, fine
weather
atmospheric conditions
Etymology
The compound "fair-weather" originates from the literal nautical term for calm, pleasant sailing conditions, as opposed to "foul weather." This literal sense, dating to the 15th century, naturally evolved into a powerful metaphor. By the mid-18th century, it was applied to friends, supporters, or companions who are reliable and present only during times of ease and prosperity, abandoning one in difficulty, much like a ship unsuitable for storms. The term perfectly encapsulates the human tendency to equate favorable circumstances with loyalty, deriving its abstract meaning directly from the concrete experience of safe versus dangerous weather.
Analysis
Structure: fair (clear, fine) + weather (atmospheric conditions)
- fair: From Old English fæger (pleasing, attractive, beautiful, pleasant). In this compound, it carries the sense of "clear, fine, not stormy."
- weather: From Old English weder (air, sky, breeze, storm, tempest). It functions as the core noun, referring to atmospheric conditions.
Examples
He discovered most of his political allies were merely fair-weather friends who vanished when the scandal broke.
The pavilion is a fair-weather facility and is closed during the winter months.
She grew tired of his fair-weather support, which was only ever evident when the project was succeeding.