While the underlying idea remains the same, there has always been some variation in the first word of the proverb: see also politics makes strange bedfellows.
My best way is to creep under his gaberdine; there is no other shelter hereabout. Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows.
[1611 Shakespeare Tempest ii. ii. 37]
Illustrative‥of the old proverb, that adversity brings a man acquainted with strange bedfellows.
[1837 Dickens Pickwick Papers xli. (heading)]
The‥alliance of 1923-5 was an illustration of the adage that adversity makes strange bedfellows.
[1927 Times 27 Aug. 12]
Poverty makes strange bedfellows.
[1982 Times 15 Mar. 9 (heading)]
Related to: adversity; misfortune
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
