for better or for worse
Through all circumstances
For better or for worse means regardless of the outcome—whether things turn out well or badly.
The phrase comes from traditional wedding vows, where spouses promise to stay together through good times and bad.
Outside marriage contexts, it signals acceptance of consequences: For better or for worse, we've committed to this plan.
Sometimes used to acknowledge that something has already happened and must be accepted: The decision was made, for better or worse.
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- ride or dieUnfailingly loyal person
- through thick and thinAcross all circumstances
- marriageFormal union between partners
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
vow · partnership · for keeps · long haul · inevitability · endurance · consequence · fortitude · polarity · dichotomy · tolerance · fate · fidelity · promise · patience · uncertainty · dedication · risk
for better or for worseconditionally
With requirements attached
fair-weather · contingent upon · provisionally · tentatively · subject to change
for better or for worseuntil further notice
for now · temporarily · for the time being · noncommittally · casually