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through thick and thin

in good times and bad

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) during difficult and easy times; in all circumstances, whether good or bad

Examples

• She stood by her friend through thick and thin, never abandoning her even when times were hard.

How to use through thick and thin

This idiom expresses unwavering commitment or loyalty across all situations, both prosperous and challenging. It is typically used to describe enduring relationships, friendships, or support that persists despite hardships. The phrase has a slightly warm, emphatic tone and often appears in contexts emphasizing steadfastness.

Common phrases

• stand by someone through thick and thin
• support through thick and thin
• stay together through thick and thin
• loyal through thick and thin
• through thick and thin relationship

Synonyms

in good times and bad · come what may · no matter what · in all circumstances · through all trials

A common mistake

Learners sometimes reverse the order as 'thin and thick' or misuse the phrase to mean 'only in difficult times' rather than 'in all times, good and bad.'

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

ring a bell, take with a grain of salt, the best of both worlds, time flies, under your nose, up in the air

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained