proverb · Source-linked selection
The friendship of great men is like the shadow of a bush, soon gone.
The friendship of great men is like the shadow of a bush, soon gone.
In print by 1857 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Friendship with powerful people may offer temporary protection. The passing shadow suggests support that can disappear as circumstances or interests change.
What the words are saying
A bush supplies shade, but its shadow changes and cannot be carried away as permanent shelter. The saying compares this uncertainty with favour from people who have greater influence. It warns against making essential plans depend entirely on attention that may be withdrawn. A practical reading encourages several sources of support and clear agreements where possible. The image should not be treated as a verdict on every influential person. Power does not prevent sincere friendship, and ordinary friendships can also change. The useful distinction is between a dependable relationship and an expectation built mainly on another person’s position.
Everyday example
A community group develops several partnerships instead of relying entirely on one prominent supporter.
When to use it
Use it to question dependence on personal favour from the powerful.
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What it does not mean
Social position does not determine whether a person is a sincere friend.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1857 AD · industrial
In print by 1857: recorded in A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857) (1857 AD)
Printed page 4; French section, paragraph 63; source wording: Amour de grands, ombre de buisson qui passe bientôt.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.