Is "rain or shine" formal or informal?

It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.

Can I use "rain or shine" for a person?

Yes. It can describe someone who always appears or keeps a promise.

What is the difference between "rain or shine" and "whatever the weather"?

They are close, but "rain or shine" sounds more fixed and idiomatic.

← Dictionary

to-come-rain-or-shine

/tə kʌm reɪn ɔːr ʃaɪn/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

If something happens rain or shine, it happens whatever the weather or situation is. It shows strong commitment and no change in plan.

The market opens every Saturday, rain or shine.
She visits her parents, rain or shine.

Adinary Nuance

Rain or shine is stronger and more fixed than 'whatever the weather.' It sounds confident and reliable, often used for events, routines, and promises. It is not about mood or chance; it is about keeping a plan in all conditions.

In other languages

Vietnamese: mưa hay nắng
Spanish: llueva o truene
Chinese: 风雨无阻
Japanese: 雨でも晴れでも
Korean: 비가 오나 해가 뜨나

Etymology

This phrase comes from older English use of rain and shine as opposite weather conditions. It became common in the 19th century as a fixed way to mean "no matter what."

Common phrases

rain or shinecome rain or shineevery day, rain or shine

Synonyms

regardless no matter what come-what-may

Frequently asked questions

Is "rain or shine" formal or informal?: It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
Can I use "rain or shine" for a person?: Yes. It can describe someone who always appears or keeps a promise.
What is the difference between "rain or shine" and "whatever the weather"?: They are close, but "rain or shine" sounds more fixed and idiomatic.