come rain or shine
Meaning
No matter what happens or what the weather/conditions are; regardless of difficulties, it will happen as planned.
Origin
Originally a weather-based contrast (“rain or shine”) used to stress inevitability; “come” adds the sense of whatever may arrive. Long used in English to mean “regardless of circumstances.”
Notes
Conveys determination or certainty that something will happen regardless of conditions. Often used for promises, routines, deadlines. Neutral to emphatic; can be mildly dramatic or ironic in context.
Examples
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I go for a run every morning, come rain or shine.
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The mail gets delivered by noon, come rain or shine.
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She promised to be at the recital, come rain or shine.
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We’ll finish this project by Friday, come rain or shine.
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Dad grills outside on Sundays, come rain or shine.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase usually placed after a commitment: “I’ll be there, come rain or shine.” Also works clause-initial: “Come rain or shine, we’ll…” Usually not altered (*come rains or shines).
Synonyms
- no matter what
- regardless of circumstances
- whatever happens
- in any event
- through thick and thin
Antonyms
- if all goes well
- weather permitting
- provided that
- unless something comes up