What does "come rain or shine" mean?

No matter what happens, regardless of circumstances, under any conditions, always. An unconditional commitment. The image is weather - rain or shine are opposite conditions, and "come rain or shine" means you'll act the same way regardless of which occurs. Metaphorically, it means your commitment or action is guaranteed regardless of external factors.

Natives use this phrase to express absolute commitment and reliability. It's reassuring language - when someone promises to do something "come rain or shine," you know they mean it absolutely. You'll hear it in relationships (partners committing to each other), work (reliable employees), and any situation requiring certainty despite unknowns.

A supplier promises delivery despite pending weather: "We'll deliver your goods on Friday, come rain or shine." This guarantees delivery regardless of obstacles.

Your partner says, "I'll be there for your surgery, come rain or shine." Absolute commitment to being present during important event.

In a contract: "We commit to meeting our obligations come rain or shine, barring acts of God." Professional guarantee of commitment despite circumstances.

• No matter what: Similar meaning, but "come rain or shine" is more poetic and emphasises the opposite extremes.
• Through thick and thin: Nearly identical meaning, slightly different imagery (thick and thin vs. rain and shine).
• No exceptions: More absolutist and severe. "Come rain or shine" allows for genuine impossibility.

• Using it for things you can't control: "I'll graduate, come rain or shine" only works if graduation is actually within your control. Don't use it for uncertain outcomes.
• Forgetting the weather metaphor: The phrase specifically references weather conditions, so using it about unrelated issues sounds odd.
• Being too absolute: Leave room for genuine catastrophe. "Come rain or shine" shouldn't mean you'd commit to something suicidal.

Usually at beginning or end of phrase: "Come rain or shine, I'll be there." "I'll be there, come rain or shine." Can use with specific action: "Come rain or shine, we're hiking tomorrow." Future promise: "Come rain or shine, I promise..." Past: "Come rain or shine, we attended every match." Rarely passive: doesn't work well with passive voice.

Casual to formal, positive and committed. Works in personal relationships, professional settings, and promises. Appropriate in conversation and writing. Reassuring and devoted tone.

[through-thick-and-thin], [no-matter-what], [commitment]