through thick and thin

1. To stay with someone or something “through thick and thin” is to persevere through good times as well as bad: “She stood beside her friend through thick and thin.”

Idioms and Phrases

Despite all obstacles or adversities, as in She promised to stand by him through thick and thin . This term alludes to penetrating a forest with both thick and sparse undergrowth. Today it is nearly always used with the idea of supporting something or someone in all circumstances, as in the example. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

“No one has to deal with more than what the quarterback does. Being close to him, seeing him on and off the field, I’m really proud of him and how he holds himself. He’s a real good leader, through thick and thin.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I want to thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin," he told the hundreds of fans who chanted his name.

From BBC

I guarantee that the ever-growing, multi-partisan, pro-democracy army keeps working through thick and thin.

From Salon

“He’s been through thick and thin with me,” MacIntyre said.

From Seattle Times

The third has stuck together through thick and thin.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• adamantly
• decisively
• doggedly
• persistently
• resolutely
• staunchly
• steadfastly
• strictly
• stubbornly
• tenaciously