come hell or high water
English
editEtymology
editIn reference to the dangers of hell and stormy seas.
Pronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Adverb
edit- (idiomatic) Regardless of the hardships.
- The pioneers were determined to build a community in the wilderness come hell or high water.
- 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 1:
- Her crew knew that deep in her heart beat engines fit and able to push her blunt old nose ahead at a sweet fourteen knots, come Hell or high water.
Usage notes
editOnly used in the subjunctive mood (in anticipation of some intended action).
Synonyms
editTranslations
edit
|