THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Through thick and thin
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
During both good times and difficult times.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- My study partner supported me through thick and thin during the course.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
My study partner supported me ________ during the course.
Show the answer
Through thick and thin — During both good times and difficult times.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Through thick and thin” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
During both good times and difficult times.
Compare: My study partner supported me through thick and thin during the course.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression to describe lasting support, loyalty or commitment despite difficulties. It is common in personal stories and descriptions of teamwork.
More examples in context
- The volunteers stayed with the project through thick and thin.
- Their friendship lasted through thick and thin, including the years they lived far apart.
Usage note
Keep the order thick and thin. The phrase normally accompanies support, staying with someone or continuing a commitment. It emphasises persistence through difficulties, not agreement with every decision.
A short conversation
A: Has your friend helped throughout the whole course?
B: Yes. She has supported me through thick and thin.
A: That kind of steady support means a lot.
One more practice question
What does supporting someone through thick and thin mean?
A. Supporting them in difficult times as well as good times.
B. Supporting them only while everything is easy.
Check your answer
A. The expression includes the difficult periods, rather than only favourable circumstances.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.