kʌm reɪn ɔr ʃaɪn
Nature & Weather
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Whether it rains or the sun shines
What does "come rain or shine" mean?
- No matter what happens; regardless of circumstances
- Without fail; whatever the conditions
Examples
- The mail is delivered come rain or shine.
- She visits her grandmother every Sunday, come rain or shine.
- We'll be there for the game, come rain or shine.
Origin
The phrase uses weather as a metaphor for all possible circumstances. Dating from the 17th century, it emphasizes commitment regardless of conditions—literally any weather, figuratively any difficulty.
How to use it
Expresses strong commitment and reliability. Very positive expression for dependability.
Similar expressions
no matter what
rain or shine
come what may
Opposites
conditionally
weather permitting
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "come rain or shine" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.