Come rain or shine: Meaning and Examples

Updated 2026-10-03 · Idiom Meanings editorial team

Quick answer: The phrase come rain or shine means that something will happen or continue no matter what difficulties arise. It expresses a firm commitment to a plan, person, or goal, signaling that external conditions will not cause you to stop or change your mind.

What Does "come rain or shine" Mean?

The idiom come rain or shine describes an unwavering dedication to a specific outcome. It indicates that an action will proceed regardless of whether the conditions are favorable or unfavorable.

This phrase conveys a sense of reliability and steadfastness. It suggests that you are prepared to face any obstacle, such as bad weather, personal inconvenience, or unexpected problems, without abandoning your original intention.

How People Use It Today

People use this expression in daily conversation to emphasize their loyalty or consistency. You might hear it when someone promises to attend an event, support a friend through a tough time, or stick to a workout routine despite a busy schedule. It serves as a reassuring statement that plans are solid.

Example Sentences

I will support your business venture come rain or shine.
The parade will proceed come rain or shine, so bring umbrellas.
She loves her dog come rain or shine, playing fetch every day.
We are committed to finishing this project come rain or shine.
True friends stand by you come rain or shine.
The coach expects the team to train come rain or shine.
He visits his grandmother come rain or shine every Sunday.
The concert continues come rain or shine despite the storm warning.
My dedication to learning Spanish is come rain or shine.
We will hike to the summit come rain or shine this weekend.

Idioms With a Similar Meaning

Through thick and thin: Focuses on enduring hardship and loyalty in relationships rather than just weather.
No matter what: A broader phrase that covers any obstacle, not just environmental conditions.
At all costs: Implies a willingness to sacrifice resources or safety to achieve a goal.
Hook, line, and sinker: Actually means being completely deceived, so it is not a true synonym here.
Rain or shine: A shortened version that carries the exact same meaning of unconditional participation.
Come hell or high water: Uses more dramatic imagery to suggest overcoming extreme or dangerous obstacles.

Opposite or Contrasting Phrases

Only if convenient: Suggests actions will only happen when there are no obstacles or extra effort.
Weather permitting: Explicitly states that the plan depends on favorable environmental conditions.
Take it easy: Implies relaxing and avoiding effort, contrasting with the persistence of the idiom.
Quit at the first sign of trouble: Describes giving up immediately when difficulties arise, the opposite of perseverance.

When to Use It and When Not To

Use this idiom when you want to reassure someone of your reliability or commitment. It works well in personal promises, team building contexts, or when confirming attendance at outdoor events. It adds emotional weight to your statement by showing you are ready for any scenario.

Avoid using it in highly formal legal or technical documents where precise language is required. It is also inappropriate if you are unsure about your own commitment, as using it falsely can damage trust. Stick to literal descriptions when weather is the only variable.

Example Dialogues

The forecast looks gloomy for the picnic this afternoon.

Do not worry, we are going come rain or shine.

Will you still volunteer at the shelter if you feel tired?

Yes, I promise to help come rain or shine.

I hope the vendor cancels if the weather turns bad.

He stated the delivery arrives come rain or shine.

Are we postponing the match due to the clouds?

No, the game is scheduled to happen come rain or shine.

I am hesitant to promise a specific arrival time.

Try to be there come rain or shine, we need you.

More Example Sentences

The daily bus route operates come rain or shine without interruption.
Her dedication to the marathon training is come rain or shine.
We must attend the ceremony come rain or shine regardless of the storm.
The street performers play their music come rain or shine.
His loyalty to the club is come rain or shine.
The school bus driver arrives come rain or shine to pick up the children.
She keeps her promise to visit come rain or shine.
The garden club meets come rain or shine to tend to the flowers.

In Formal Writing, Say This Instead

Under all circumstances: The contract remains valid under all circumstances.
Without exception: Attendance is required without exception.
Regardless of conditions: Services will continue regardless of conditions.
Unconditionally: We support the initiative unconditionally.
In all events: The deadline stands in all events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is come rain or shine positive or negative?

It is generally positive, showing dedication and reliability. However, it can imply stubbornness if used to describe an unwillingness to adapt to necessary changes.

Can I use come rain or shine for indoor events?

Yes, the phrase has become metaphorical. It means you will attend or participate regardless of any difficulties, even if the event is indoors and weather is irrelevant.

What is the difference between rain or shine and come rain or shine?

They mean exactly the same thing. The version with come is slightly more rhythmic and common in speech, while rain or shine is a concise shorthand often used in writing.

Is this idiom formal or informal?

It is standard English suitable for most contexts. It is not slang, but it is too idiomatic for strict legal contracts or scientific papers requiring precise, non-figurative language.