Final answer:
The "summer soldier" and the "sunshine patriot" are best described as being cowardly when times get tough.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "summer soldier" and the "sunshine patriot" are best described as being cowardly when times get tough. These terms were used by Thomas Paine in his pamphlet 'The Crisis' during the American Revolution. Paine used this metaphor to criticize those who were only supportive of the Revolutionary cause when things were going well, but hid during difficult times.
Learn more about Cowardice during the American Revolution