Question

What is need in friend in deed

Answer 1

Firstly, is it 'a friend in need is a friend indeed' or 'a friend in need is a friend in deed'? Secondly, is it 'a friend (when you are) in need' or 'a friend (who is) in need'? If the former, then the phrase means: 'someone who helps you when you are in need is a true friend'.

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A friend in need is a friend indeed. A friend who helps out when we are in trouble is a true friend — unlike others who disappear when trouble arises.