expression
we should help each other in times of need; we are all in this together
A set phrase expressing mutual support: when someone is in trouble, others help because they may need help themselves someday. Often used to comfort someone who hesitates to ask for help.
「手伝ってくれてありがとう」「いいよ、困った時はお互い様だから」
"Thanks for helping me." "No problem, we should help each other when we're in trouble."
困った時はお互い様という気持ちで、地域の助け合いが大切だ。
With the spirit of 'we're all in this together,' mutual aid in the community is important.
A fixed expression composed of 困った時 (when in trouble), は (topic marker), お互い様 (mutual, each other). The phrase literally means 'when in trouble, it's mutual' and is used to express reciprocal assistance.