English · Emotions & Feelings
through thick and thin
/θruː θɪk ənd θɪn/
[/θruː θɪk ənd θɪn/]
in good and bad times
Intermediatephrase
Definition
Through both good and difficult times; loyally and steadfastly.
Example
She stood by her brother through thick and thin, even when everyone else had turned away.
She stood by her brother through thick and thin, even when everyone else had turned away.
Etymology
A medieval phrase, shortened from 'through thicket and thin wood', used by Chaucer.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for praising unwavering loyalty over time.
Literary Heritage
Appears in Chaucer's 'The Reeve's Tale' (c. 1387) as 'thurgh thikke and thurgh thenne'.