Meaning
This proverb means that a true friend is someone who supports you when you’re in trouble. While many people may act friendly during good times, only real friends stand by you during hardships. Their loyalty is proven not by words, but by actions during your most difficult moments. It’s a reminder to value those who help us sincerely—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.
Understanding the Idea of the Proverb
The heart of this proverb lies in testing friendship through adversity. In times of wealth, fun, or fame, many people may surround us, but when storms arrive—like illness, failure, or danger—only the truest companions stay. Such friends are rare and priceless. The proverb teaches us to recognize, cherish, and become that kind of friend—someone dependable, honest, and kind when others need us most.
A beautiful Story Story To Relate the Proverb
The Turtle and the Two Swans
Once, near a large drying lake in the middle of a forest, lived a gentle turtle named Kambu. He had two friends—white swans named Hans and Veeru—who visited the lake every day. They played together, shared stories, and laughed under the blue sky.
One summer, the sun burned fiercely. The lake began to shrink, and soon, there was barely any water left. The swans, who could fly away to better lands, grew worried.
“Kambu,” said Hans, “this lake won’t survive. Come with us to the mountain lake. It’s full of cool water and food.”
“But I cannot fly,” sighed Kambu.
“Don’t worry,” said Veeru, “we have a plan.”
They brought a strong stick. “Hold the center tightly with your mouth. We will hold the ends in our beaks and fly you across the sky. But—don’t open your mouth, or you’ll fall.”
Kambu agreed, and the flight began.
As they flew over a village, the people below stared in amazement. “Look! A flying turtle! How foolish he looks!”
Kambu, angry and proud, opened his mouth to reply—“I’m not foolish, I—”
But before the words could leave, he dropped like a stone and landed in a muddy field.
The swans quickly landed beside him.
Veeru said softly, “You didn’t listen, but we came back for you. Because we are friends.”
Kambu, hurt but alive, realized the truth.
That day he said, “You didn’t just talk like friends. You acted like friends when I needed you most. You are truly friends indeed.”
Moral:
True friends help in trouble, not just in talk. Cherish those who stay when times get tough.