The idiom "hell or high water" describes any extreme situation or circumstance one may face or overcome. It implies that nothing will stop or deter someone from doing something, even if it involves excellent danger, hardship, or sacrifice.

In short:

• It means any great difficulty or obstacle.
• It is often used to express determination, commitment, or perseverance in doing something.

What Does "Hell or High Water" Mean?

The expression "hell or high water" means that someone will do something no matter what trouble or danger they face. It shows that nothing can stop or prevent someone from achieving their goal, even if it requires a lot of risk, difficulty, or sacrifice.

Where Does "Hell or High Water" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "hell or high water" is not very clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in America. Some suggest that the phrase may have been derived from nautical expressions that refer to difficult sailing conditions, such as "high water" (meaning a high tide) or "hell and gone" (meaning very far away).

Historical Example

The earliest recorded use of the phrase "hell or high water" in print was in an Iowa newspaper called The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye in May 1882. The article quoted a letter from a correspondent in Arkansas who wrote:

"Since that time the best of my friends had become enemies and strangers have become friends. The devil had broke loose in many parts of the country and keeping up with the old saying, we've had unrevised hell and high water and a mighty heap of high water, I tell you."

10 Examples of "Hell or High Water" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "hell or high water" in different sentences:

• Way to go! He is determined to finish his degree, come hell or high water.
• So it goes that she had to go through hell and high water to escape from her abusive husband.
• Holy cow! They were stuck between hell and high water when the flood trapped them in their car.
• No diggity. He promised to support her against all odds, come hell or high water.
• Yaas! They made it to the airport on time, through hell and high water.
• He was in-between hell and high water when he had to lie to his boss and his wife.
• She said she would marry him come hell or high water, and she did. Indeed, it is a marriage made in heaven.
• Maggie was determined to finish the marathon, come hell or high water. Mind over matter!
• She had a passion for music and practiced day in and day out through hell or high water until she mastered her instrument.
• He was a loyal friend and always stood by his side, through hell or high water, in good and trying times.

Examples of "Hell or High Water" in Pop Culture

The idiom "hell or high water" has also been used in various forms of popular culture.

Here are some examples of its appearances in pop culture:

• Hell or High Water (2016). This is a critically acclaimed crime drama film directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan. The film stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges as two brothers who rob banks in Texas to save their family ranch from foreclosure and the veteran Texas Ranger who pursues them. The film's title refers to the brothers' determination to carry out their plan despite their risks and obstacles.
• "Hell or High Water" is a song by Passenger. The music reflects on a failed relationship and the possible reasons for its demise. It uses the idiom "hell or high water" to describe the extreme circumstances that could have caused their separation or the determination he would need to overcome them.
• "Hell or High Water" is the 12th episode of the third season of Prison Break, a famous American TV series. In this episode, Michael and his allies finally leave Sona, a notorious Panamanian prison, but not without complications and dangers. The episode is full of action, suspense, and twists as the escapees face "hell or high water" to achieve their freedom.
• "The Hell or High Water" is a self-released EP by the American rock band The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. It was released on August 24, 2010, and contains seven tracks, including a re-recorded version of the song "Choke" from their second album Lonely Road.

Other Ways to Say "Hell or High Water"

Here are some synonyms for "hell or high water":

• Come what may
• No matter the cost
• Rain or shine
• Sink or swim
• Whatever it takes

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Hell or High Water"

Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom "hell or high water":

• What does "hell or high water" mean?

The idiom "hell or high water" describes any extreme situation or circumstance one may face or overcome. It implies that nothing will stop or deter someone from doing something, even if it involves excellent danger, hardship, or sacrifice.

• What is the origin of the phrase "hell or high water"?

The origin of the idiom "hell or high water" is not very clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in America. Some suggest that the phrase may have been derived from nautical expressions that refer to difficult sailing conditions.

• Is "hell or high water" a swear word?

No, "hell or high water" is not a swear word. It is a common and acceptable expression in formal and informal contexts. However, some people may find the word "hell" offensive or inappropriate, so using it with caution and respect is advisable.

• What is the opposite of "hell or high water"?
  

There is no exact opposite of "hell or high water," but some possible antonyms are "give up easily" and "easy as pie."

• How do you use "hell or high water" in a question?

You can use "hell or high water" in a question by adding a question word (such as who, what, when, where, why, how) and an auxiliary verb (such as do, does, did, will, would, can, could) before the phrase.

• Can you use "hell or high water" in a positive way?

Yes, you can use "hell or high water" positively to show your support, loyalty, admiration, or gratitude for someone or something.

Example: He is a loyal friend who will stand by you through "hell or high water."

• Can you use "hell or high water" in a negative way?

Yes, you can use "hell or high water" negatively to show your anger, resentment, frustration, or regret for someone or something.

Example: I wish I never met her come "hell or high water."

• Is "hell or high water" an American idiom?

Yes, "hell or high water" is an American idiom that originated in the 19th century in America. However, it is also used and understood in other varieties of English, such as British English, Australian English, Canadian English, etc.

• Is "hell or high water" a metaphor?

Yes, "hell or high water" is a metaphor that compares any difficult situation or obstacle to two extreme scenarios: hell (a place of eternal suffering) and high water (a flood that causes destruction). A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by comparing it to something else that is not related.

• What are some other sayings that use the word "water"?

Many other idioms use the word "water," such as "water under the bridge," "in hot water," "like water off a duck's back," and "test the waters."

Final Thoughts About "Hell or High Water"

The idiom "hell or high water" is a common and helpful expression in various situations and contexts.

Here are some key points to remember about this idiom:

• It means any great difficulty or obstacle.
• It is often used to express determination, commitment, or perseverance.
• It has some variations and related expressions that have a similar meaning.
• It can be used positively or negatively, depending on the tone and intention of the speaker or writer.