No matter what difficulties or obstacles arise. An expression of absolute determination to proceed despite any potential problems or disasters.
This American phrase from the 1800s combines two major natural disasters - hellfire and flooding - to represent the worst possible circumstances. It originated in the American frontier where both drought-induced fires and flash floods were constant threats.
The phrase is beautifully apocalyptic, invoking both biblical imagery and natural disasters that pioneer communities actually faced. It's one of the few idioms that manages to sound both folksy and epic at the same time, capturing the frontier spirit of unstoppable determination.
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