How do you say “Through thick and thin” in French?
The closest natural French equivalent is Contre vents et marées, which literally means “Against winds and tides”. English speakers use through thick and thin to mean through both good times and bad, without giving up on someone. Natural for loyal support despite difficulties; it stresses resistance more than shared good times. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural French
Contre vents et marées
/kɔ̃tʁ vɑ̃ e ma.ʁe/
- Literal meaning
- “Against winds and tides”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
88 out of 100
What a native French speaker would actually say
English covers both easy and difficult times. French pictures winds and tides pushing against someone who keeps going.
The French phrase can describe loyalty, but also determination in a cause. It is a little more forceful than the English.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in French?
Dans les bons comme dans les mauvais moments
Literally: “In the good as in the bad moments”
A direct choice for lasting personal support.
Quoi qu’il arrive
Literally: “Whatever happens”
Use for a promise that does not depend on circumstances.
Common translation traps
À travers épais et mince
These adjectives describe thickness and do not express loyalty in French.
The notes above explain why these versions do not work in this context in French.
In context
English
She supported me through thick and thin.
French
Elle m’a soutenu contre vents et marées.
English
We will stay together through thick and thin.
French
Nous resterons ensemble dans les bons comme dans les mauvais moments.
Related expressions
- What “Through thick and thin” means in English
- Water under the bridge, A past problem that no longer matters.
- Burn your bridges, To cut off any way back.
Last updated 2026-09-12