thick and thin: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘thick and thin’ mean?
The idiom *thick and thin* means to be with someone or support them in all situations, whether they are good or bad. It implies loyalty and unwavering commitment.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to the backbone" means someone or something that is strong, determined, or has a certain quality to a great extent.
The idiom *till death do us part* is often used to express the idea of a commitment or promise that is meant to last for a lifetime, typically in the context of marriage.
The idiom "throw in with" means to join or align oneself with a particular group or cause, usually by making a commitment or showing support.
The idiom "thin the herd" means to reduce the number of people or animals in a group, typically by eliminating the weakest or least able. This is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where only the strongest or most capable individuals survive or succeed.
The idiom "thin-skinned" refers to a person who is easily offended or sensitive to criticism or insults.
The idiom "thin end of the wedge" refers to a small, seemingly insignificant action or event that can lead to more significant and undesirable consequences in the future. It symbolizes the start of a negative or unwanted situation that may escalate over time.
The idiom "thin air" refers to something that appears or disappears mysteriously or unexpectedly, as if it came out of nowhere. It can also describe a situation where there is no evidence or trace of something.
The idiom "thick skin" refers to the ability to remain unaffected by criticism or negative comments. It means being resilient and not allowing other people's opinions to easily hurt or bother you.
The idiom "thick of things" means being fully involved or deeply immersed in a situation or activity. It implies a state of being in the center of action or the most intense part of an event or experience.
The idiom "thick as thieves" means to be very close or friendly with someone, often implying a secretive or conspiratorial relationship.
Unbreakable Friendship
The idiom "thick as thieves" is closely related to the phrase "thick and thin". It is used to describe a strong and close friendship or alliance between two or more people. When individuals are "thick as thieves", they are inseparable and share a deep bond of trust and loyalty.
In the context of "thick as thieves", the word "thick" does not refer to density or vegetation, as in the original phrase "thick and thin". Instead, it conveys the idea of closeness and intimacy. The idiom implies that the friendship or alliance is so strong that it can withstand any challenge or obstacle.
The origins of the idiom "thick as thieves" can be traced back to the early 17th century. It was first recorded by playwright and poet John Dryden in his comedy play "The Spanish Fryar" in 1681. Since then, it has become a popular and widely used expression in the English language.
The idiom "thick as thieves" is often used in conversation and writing to depict a bond that is impenetrable and unbreakable. It signifies the trust and loyalty that exists between individuals who are as inseparable as thieves in a heist, always looking out for each other and having each other's backs.
An example of using the idiom "thick as thieves" in a sentence is, "They have been best friends for years, and they are as thick as thieves, always supporting and standing up for each other."
Another related idiom is "in the thick of". This expression is used to describe being actively involved or deeply immersed in a particular situation or activity. When someone is "in the thick of" something, they are at the center of the action and fully engaged in what is happening.
The phrase "in the thick of" is derived from the literal use of the word "thick" to describe a dense or crowded situation. It conveys the idea that the person is amidst the chaos and intensity of a specific event or experience.
Unlike the idiom "thick and thin", which emphasizes loyalty and steadfastness, "in the thick of" focuses on being actively present and engaged. It implies that the person is in the midst of a challenging or significant moment, fully experiencing and participating in it.
The idiom "in the thick of" is commonly used in conversations and writing to depict the state of being deeply involved in something. It is often used in situations that require intense focus, dedication, and active participation.
An example of using the idiom "in the thick of" in a sentence is, "She is in the thick of her training for the marathon, spending hours every day running and preparing for the race."
The idiomatic phrase "thick and thin" conveys the idea of unwavering loyalty and support, while also allowing for personal interpretation. The related idioms "thick as thieves" and "in the thick of" further expand on the concept of loyalty and engagement in relationships and experiences.
Example usage
*thick and thin* is an idiomatic expression used to indicate loyalty, commitment, or support in all circumstances. Here are three examples of how it can be used:
1. She stood by her best friend through thick and thin, always providing support and encouragement.
2. The couple has been together for decades, facing the ups and downs of life, standing by each other through thick and thin.
3. Despite the challenges and hardships they faced during the project, the team remained united and supported each other through thick and thin.
More "Loyalty" idioms
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