hell or high water
No matter what
Hell or high water is an idiom for any obstacle or difficulty imaginable.
The phrase appears almost exclusively in come hell or high water, expressing determination to accomplish something regardless of what stands in the way: I'm finishing this project, come hell or high water.
The pairing suggests both supernatural and natural disasters—nothing will deter.
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
willpower · steadfastness · fortitude · dedication · resilience · endurance · stubbornness · single-mindedness
Commitment to act
- vowSolemn personal commitment
- pledgeBinding promise given
- oathFormal binding promise
- guaranteeFormal promise of fulfillment
assurance · no matter what · come what may · regardless · unconditional · absolute · unshakeable · ironclad
Things in the way
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
- challengesDifficulties requiring effort
- trialsFormal legal proceedings
- setbacksReversals of progress
crisis · struggle · difficulty · disaster · tribulations · calamity · turmoil · distress
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
grit · willpower · steadfastness · fortitude · dedication · resilience · endurance · stubbornness · single-mindedness · obstinacy
promise
Commitment to act
guarantee · assurance · no matter what · come what may · regardless · unconditional · absolute · unshakeable · ironclad · whatever it takes
obstacles
Things in the way
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
- challengesDifficulties requiring effort
- trialsFormal legal proceedings
setbacks · crisis · struggle · difficulty · disaster · tribulations · calamity · turmoil · distress · ordeals
- pledgesvow, promise, I promise, wedding vows, I vow
hell or high waterhalf-hearted
Lacking sincerity or zeal
wishy-washy · lukewarm · uncommitted · indifferent · apathetic
hell or high watermaybe
Expression of uncertainty
tentatively · provisionally · contingent upon · depending on · weather permitting
hell or high waterhalfheartedly
Without real interest
tentatively · conditionally · hesitantly · reservedly · lukewarmly
hell, high, water, hells, hellish, hellishly, higher, highest, highly