contre vents et marées

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
against all odds, come what may, despite every obstacle
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
/kɔ̃tʁ vɑ̃ e ma.ʁe/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Despite strong opposition or repeated obstacles.
Practice using contre vents et marées in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Ils ont poursuivi leurs recherches contre vents et marées.
    They continued their research against all odds.
  • Ce journal indépendant existe encore contre vents et marées.
    This independent newspaper still exists in spite of everything.
  • Il est resté fidèle à ses convictions contre vents et marées.
    He stayed true to his convictions come what may.
  • Elle a défendu son projet contre vents et marées.
    She defended her project against all odds.
  • L'association a survécu contre vents et marées.
    The association survived despite every obstacle.

Similar words

malgré tout
en dépit des obstacles

Meanings

Against all odds

perseverance
neutral
In spite of difficulties or opposition, with continued determination.

Examples

  • Elle a défendu son projet contre vents et marées.
    She defended her project against all odds.
  • L'association a survécu contre vents et marées.
    The association survived despite every obstacle.
  • Ils ont poursuivi leurs recherches contre vents et marées.
    They continued their research against all odds.
  • Il est resté fidèle à ses convictions contre vents et marées.
    He stayed true to his convictions come what may.
  • Ce journal indépendant existe encore contre vents et marées.
    This independent newspaper still exists in spite of everything.

Similar words

malgré tout
en dépit des obstacles

Etymology

A nautical image: winds and tides stand for forces that hinder a course.

FAQ

What does the whole phrase mean?

Against all odds or despite every obstacle.

Are literal winds required?

No, it usually describes figurative obstacles.

Can it follow a verb?

Yes: poursuivre un projet contre vents et marées.

Does it suggest giving up?

No, it stresses persistence.

Are both nouns plural?

Yes: vents and marées.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...