Do you have the need for an expression that says 'absolutely through anything' or 'no matter what happens' but with more creativity? The phrase 'come hell or high water' is a common expression in the English language that can be used to mean just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and correct use of this common saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'come hell or high water' is used to mean through exceptional circumstances, or is used to imply no matter what happens.
The phrase is used as an exaggerative, figurative phrase.
The figurative meaning of 'hell or high water' is often used to imply the worst of the situation or circumstances being discussed.
Someone can say 'through hell or high water' to imply the meaning come what might.
The phrases 'hell or high water' or 'through hell or high water' are used as an entire phrase, and are not commonly shortened or abbreviated to anything for use.
It is a common expression that has been included in modern pop culture, including as an album by Deep Purple released in 1993.
Example Usage
“Come hell or high water, I am going to go to that concert tomorrow. I literally don't care what happens, but I would love to be there even if I have to sneak over the fence like they did at Woodstock.”
“He said that he was going to be there for her come hell or high water, but he didn't imagine that they were going to be in literal high water when their cruise ship went down around the Bahamas.”
“I'll be there for you when you go to college come hell or high water. It's what family does, and we're kind of expecting you to screw up and call us in the first three months.”
“I placed a five hundred dollar bet on that horse, so he had better win the race come hell or high water.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase 'come hell or high water' is often mistakenly attributed to the King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible, but this is not the right origin of the phrase and there are no direct references to this in any translations of the Bible.
According to online etymology resources, the phrase 'come hell or high water' was first used in a Burlington, Iowa newspaper in 1882.
It it possible that either the writer invented the expression, or that it was already in common spoiken use at that time and this writer was one of its early written uses.
'High water' could reference high tides as a nautical term, which could give some clarity as to the phrase origin.
The phrase would become a common written and spoken phrase throughout the 1900s. Use of the expression would continue throughout the 21st century, with the meaning of the phrase unchanged since its first use.
The phrase was first added to Urban Dictionary in 2004, even though much earlier use of the phrase 'come hell or high water' is apparent.
Phrases Similar to Come Hell or High Water
- Worst case scenario
- No matter what
Phrases Opposite to Come Hell or High Water
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Come hell or high water
- Through hell or high water
Ways People May Say Come Hell or High Water Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone might use or understand the phrase 'hell or high water' in the wrong way.
Use of the phrase 'hell and high water' is theoretically incorrect according to its original use, although it presents no grammatical flaws when it is used.
The phrase 'come hell or high water' can be misunderstood if translated directly into languages that have no equivalent reference for the phrase, which originated in English.
'Hell or high waters' would be incorrect, as the singular 'water' is unnecessary.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Come Hell or High Water
The correct way to use the phrase 'come hell or high water' is to use it to imply 'through extreme circumstances' in conversation.
The phrase is used as a whole, and 'through hell or high water' is one alternative that still gives a valid sentence.