Through thick and thin
/θruː θɪk ənd θɪn/neutralUK · US
What does “Through thick and thin” mean?
Through thick and thin means through both good times and bad, without giving up on someone.
The phrase always attaches to loyalty over time. It modifies a verb of support: stand by, stick together, stay.
It is warm and slightly formal, and appears often in speeches and tributes.
When do people say it?
Used about friendships, marriages, teams and long-standing support.
“She stood by the club through thick and thin.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
Very old English phrase, originally about riding through thick and thin woodland.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Through thick and thin” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Water under the bridge, A past problem that no longer matters.
- Burn your bridges, To cut off any way back.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11