proverb · Words worth keeping
It's good to have company in trouble.
It's good to have company in trouble.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Having someone alongside you during a difficulty can make it easier to face. Companionship can offer reassurance and practical support even when the problem remains unsolved.
Example
A neighbour accompanies someone to a meeting about a damaged flat and helps them keep track of the questions they wanted to ask.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying values presence when trouble makes a person feel isolated. Company may mean a friend listening, someone helping with a task or simply another person remaining nearby while a difficult situation unfolds. It does not require the companion to have the same problem. The benefit comes from suitable support rather than numbers alone. Unhelpful visitors or pressure to talk can add to the burden. The practical question is what kind of company the person would welcome, and whether it can be offered without taking over their choices or expecting them to perform gratitude.
When to use it
Use it to recognise the value of welcome companionship during a difficult event.
Keep in mind
Ask what support is wanted; company is not helpful if it intrudes or replaces necessary practical action.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English