English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Come hell or high water
Meaning
"Come hell or high water" is an idiom that means no matter what happens, someone will do something or be there for another person. It's a phrase that indicates a commitment to stand by someone through good times and bad.
Usage
- I promised my friend that I would come hell or high water to help him with his move.
- The parents told their children that they would come hell or high water to ensure that they got a good education.
- The company's CEO assured investors that they would come hell or high water to make their quarterly earnings targets.
- My family always comes together no matter what challenges we face, even if it means coming hell or high water.
- When the power went out during the hurricane, I knew that my neighbors and I had each other's backs and could come hell or high water.
Roots and History
The origin of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it has been used in English since at least the 17th century. One theory suggests that it comes from a religious belief that God would protect his people through any adversity, even if it meant coming from hell or high water. Another theory is that it relates to the idea of someone being willing to do anything, including risking their own safety, to help another person.
Synonyms in English
- Rain or shine
- No matter what
- Through thick and thin
- Without fail
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Por todo lo mío/a (translation: For everything)
- French: Quelques chose ou d'autre (translation: Something or something else)
- German: Durch feuer und Wasser (translation: Through fire and water)
- Italian: Per tutto il mondo (translation: For the whole world)
- Japanese: どんな時でも (translation: No matter what time)