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

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."

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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:

  1. She goes to the gym every morning without fail.
  2. He always completes his assignments on time without fail.
  3. They meet for lunch every Friday without fail.

More "Adverb" idioms