through thick and thin
Meaning
To stay loyal and continue supporting someone or persisting in an effort during both good times and bad times.
Origin
Recorded from at least the 17th century; “thick” and “thin” contrast opposing conditions (dense/sparse, easy/hard), creating a metaphor for all circumstances—good and bad—endured together.
Notes
Warm, loyal tone emphasizing steadfast support. Implies you won’t abandon someone when things get hard. Used in relationships, teams, promises; informal to semi-formal. Avoid overuse in trivial contexts.
Examples
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They’ve supported each other through thick and thin since high school.
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I’ll stand by you through thick and thin, no matter what happens.
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The club survived through thick and thin thanks to its loyal members.
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Through thick and thin, she kept showing up every day to care for her father.
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Our friendship has lasted through thick and thin, even when we lived in different countries.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as an adverbial phrase after verbs like stay/stand by/support/be with: “be there through thick and thin.” Fixed order (“thick and thin”); rarely altered. Often preceded by “through.”
Synonyms
- through good times and bad
- come what may
- no matter what
- stand by someone
- stick with someone
Antonyms
- fair-weather
- when the going gets tough, quit
- abandon ship