come hell or high water

English edit

Etymology edit

In reference to the dangers of hell and stormy seas.

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Adverb edit

come hell or high water

  1. (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 edit

Only used in the subjunctive mood (in anticipation of some intended action).

Synonyms edit

Translations edit