Chip off the old block

[1125] Come hell or high water

🎲 Cross that bridge when you come to it
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Regardless of any obstacles, difficulties, or dangers; absolutely determined to do something, no matter what.

Origin

  • Evokes extreme obstacles: hell (ultimate difficulty), high water (natural disasters like floods).
  • Signifies *nothing* will prevent the action.
  • Likely originated US West, late 19th/early 20th century (cattle drives crossing rivers/terrain).

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • No matter what
  • Whatever it takes
  • Rain or shine (esp. for events, implies general determination)
  • By hook or by crook (by any means, possibly unethical)
  • Against all odds
  • Despite everything

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Whatever it takes.
  • I'm all in. (Showing full commitment)
  • Bet your ass (I'll be there). (Vulgar certainty/determination)
  • No ifs, ands, or buts. (Absolutely, without exception)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • I'll fucking be there.
  • We'll get this shit done.

Milder/Standard:

  • Absolutely. / Definitely.
  • Without fail.
  • I give you my word.
  • Regardless of the circumstances. (More formal)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Generally informal due to hell, but widely used in semi-formal contexts for strong resolve.
  • Avoid in very formal/religious contexts where hell might be inappropriate.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might dislike hell or miss the level of determination.
  • Means absolute resolve, overcoming *any* obstacle.

Examples

  • I'll be at your wedding, come hell or high water!
  • We're going to finish this project by Friday, come hell or high water.

Dialogue

Manager: The deadline for the proposal is tomorrow morning. It's crucial we submit it.

Team Lead: Don't worry, boss. We'll get it done, come hell or high water. The team is staying late tonight.

Manager: Excellent. I appreciate the dedication.

Social Media Examples

  • Event Promotion: The outdoor concert is happening tomorrow, rain or shine! (Or, as we say, come hell or high water!) Be there! #LiveMusic #Event
  • Personal Goal Post: Training for this marathon has been tough, but I WILL cross that finish line, come hell or high water! 💪 #MarathonTraining #Determination
  • Tweet about project: Final push on this deadline. Submitting this code tonight, come hell or high water. #CodingLife #Deadline

Response Patterns

Expresses determination. Responses might be:

  • Appreciation: Thanks, that means a lot!
  • Encouragement: Attaboy! / Attagirl!
  • Acknowledgement: Okay, I'm counting on you.
  • Mild concern: Are you sure? Don't put yourself out too much.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Listener might express confidence: I know you will.
  • Listener might confirm plan: Great, see you then!
  • Speaker usually follows through with strong effort.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • A statement of determination regarding future action.

Intonation

  • Strong emphasis on hell and high water, often determined tone. COME HELL or HIGH WATER!

Generation Differences

  • Used across generations, perhaps slightly more by older ones, but recognizable.

Regional Variations

  • Common in American English, also used/understood elsewhere.
Chip off the old block
🎲 Cross that bridge when you come to it