without fail: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘without fail’ mean?
The idiom "without fail" means to always do something as promised or expected, consistently and without any exceptions or errors.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "without further ado" means to proceed or continue without any unnecessary delay or time wasted on formalities or unnecessary actions.
The idiom "under no circumstances" means that something is absolutely forbidden or impossible, regardless of any situation or condition.
The idiom "to the T" means to do something perfectly or exactly according to expectations or specifications.
The idiom "to be sure" means to have complete certainty or confidence in something or someone.
The idiom "sure enough" means that something expected or predicted actually happened or turned out to be true. It is used to confirm or validate a previous statement or belief.
The idiom "straight away" means to do something immediately or without delay.
The idiom "rain or shine" means that something will happen regardless of the weather or any other adverse conditions.
The idiom "once and for all" means to do something finally or decisively, resolving a situation or completing a task definitively.
The idiom "on a regular basis" means doing something consistently or at fixed intervals of time, without any variation or irregularity.
The idiom "more often than not" means that something is likely to happen or be true most of the time, although there may be exceptions occasionally.
Failing is Not an Option
The idiom "without fail" is widely used in the English language, and it conveys a sense of certainty or assurance when something will definitely happen. Let's explore how "without fail" is related to several other idioms.
When we say something will happen "every time," we are expressing the same level of certainty as when we say it will happen "without fail." In both cases, we are emphasizing that there are no exceptions or deviations from what is expected.
A similar phrase that conveys a similar meaning is "sure enough." When we say something will happen "sure enough," we are saying that it will happen as expected, without any doubt or uncertainty. This is similar to saying it will happen "without fail."
Another related idiom is "more often than not." This phrase is often used to describe a situation or outcome that occurs frequently or commonly. It implies a high level of certainty or regularity, much like saying something will happen "without fail."
The idiom "rain or shine" is often used to describe an event or activity that will happen regardless of the weather conditions. It emphasizes the certainty and commitment to carrying out the event, just like saying it will happen "without fail."
Lastly, the phrase "to be sure" is another idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of certainty or assurance. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to confirm something. This is similar to the certainty conveyed by saying something will happen "without fail."
With these idioms in mind, we can see that "without fail" is a powerful and versatile expression in the English language. It conveys a strong sense of certainty and assurance, whether it is used in giving instructions, making promises, or providing reassurance. Its authoritative tone and widespread use in both formal and informal contexts make it a valuable phrase in enhancing communication and conveying reliability.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "without fail" can be used in a sentence:
- She goes to the gym every morning without fail.
- He always completes his assignments on time without fail.
- They meet for lunch every Friday without fail.