in need

English

Prepositional phrase

in need

  1. Lacking basic necessities such as food and shelter; poor; indigent.
    I donated the clothes my son outgrew to help children in need.
  2. In distress or otherwise difficult circumstances.
    The team came to the rescue of a whale in need.
  3. (when followed by “of”) needing (the specified necessities).
    The house was in need of urgent repairs.

Usage notes

In the original meaning of the saying A friend in need is a friend indeed, the words “a friend in need” are elliptic for “a friend who comes to your aid when you are in need”.

Translations
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Anagrams
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