through thick and thin

T

through thick and thin (idiom)
/θruː θɪk ənd θɪn/

Meaning

• stay committed under all conditions, no matter how challenging or difficult.
• support someone through both good and bad times.
• act or persevere despite unfavorable circumstances.
• remain by someone’s side for an extended period, even during tough times.
• stay loyal or committed in all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
• endure or persevere through all challenges and hardships.

Example Sentences

1. My best friend has supported me through thick and thin.
2. Even though there are rumors that the company is in trouble, we plan to stick it out through thick and thin.
3. If you really loved him, you would have stuck by him through thick and thin. Instead, you left when things got hard.
4. My husband has supported Liverpool through thick and thin. He is a true fan.
5. Sarah stayed by her husband’s side through thick and thin, even during his illness.
6. The team supported each other through thick and thin and won the championship.

Origin and History

The roots of the phrase through thick and thin date back to medieval England (late 1300s). It originally appeared in the form “through thicket and thin wood”, which referred to the experience of traveling through dense forests (thicket) and less obstructive, sparse woods (thin wood). The phrase captured the perseverance required to navigate these terrains, which were often challenging and unpredictable.

This literal usage gradually transitioned into a figurative expression, symbolizing unwavering commitment and resilience, no matter the obstacles.

Evolution into a Figurative Idiom

The figurative use of the phrase started becoming evident by the 16th and 17th centuries, as people began using it to describe loyalty and perseverance in relationships and endeavors. Over time, “thick and thin” replaced “thicket and thin wood,” making it more concise and easier to use in conversation and literature.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest recorded use of the phrase through thick and thin in its modern form is attributed to Richard Baxter in his 1662 religious work, A Saint Or a Brute: The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness. He wrote:

“Men do fancy a necessity [of holiness] where there is none, yet that will carry them through thick and thin.”

This reference highlights the phrase’s integration into English literature and its adoption as a metaphor for determination and loyalty.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

1. Hunting Context
   Some scholars propose that the phrase originated from hunting, where participants would traverse through thick underbrush and open fields (thin areas) while pursuing game. This required both physical endurance and mental resolve, making the expression a natural metaphor for overcoming challenges.
2. Germanic Linguistic Roots
   The phrase may have West Germanic origins, given its presence in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch and German, during the 17th century. Similar expressions in these languages emphasize perseverance and steadfastness, suggesting a shared linguistic heritage.
3. Shakespearean Connection
   Though not directly attributed to Shakespeare, his works often feature similar imagery of loyalty and resilience, which might have influenced the popularization of idiomatic expressions like through thick and thin during the Elizabethan era.

Synonyms

1. come hell or high water
2. against all odds
3. through fire and water
4. rain or shine
5. no matter what

Circumstances, Support