word origin — Used by Chaucer in 1386 — originally referred to riding through both dense and sparse forests without stopping.
through thick and thin, give someone the benefit of the doubt, a shoulder to cry on, get off on the wrong foot, have a falling out: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 27. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
through thick and thin · idiom/θru θɪk ənd θɪn/
to stay with someone despite difficulties
They've been together through thick and thin.
Origin: Used by Chaucer in 1386 — originally referred to riding through both dense and sparse forests without stopping.
give someone the benefit of the doubt · idiom/ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ðə ˈbɛnəfɪt əv ðə daʊt/
to trust someone despite doubts
I wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Origin: From British law in the 1800s — defendants couldn't be convicted if any reasonable doubt remained.
a shoulder to cry on · idiom/ə ˈʃoʊldɚ tu kraɪ ɔn/
someone who offers emotional support
After her breakup, she needed a shoulder to cry on.
Origin: From the 1800s — describes the physical comfort of leaning into another person's shoulder during sadness.
get off on the wrong foot · idiom/ɡɛt ɔf ɔn ðə rɔŋ fʊt/
to start a relationship badly
We got off on the wrong foot, but now we’re good friends.
Origin: From military marching — soldiers had to step off on the correct foot, or the whole line fell into chaos.
have a falling out · idiom/hæv ə ˈfɔlɪŋ aʊt/
to have a disagreement that ends a friendship
They had a falling out and haven’t spoken in months.
Origin: From the 1500s — used to describe friends or allies dramatically falling out of agreement with each other.