Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ll do it come hell or high watermelon”?
Wait—did they say watermelon? 🍉
Many people get confused or amused when they hear this funny twist on the real phrase, “come hell or high water.” It’s often used jokingly or by mistake, but it still pops up in conversations and online posts.
In this guide, you’ll learn the true meaning of “hell or high water,” what “hell or high watermelon” actually means (and why people say it), and how to use both correctly. By the end, even a 4th grader will know which is right—and how to remember it forever.
💬 What Does Each Phrase Mean?
1. Hell or High Water
- Meaning: “Hell or high water” means no matter what happens, or through any difficulty.
- Part of speech: Idiom (a phrase with a special meaning).
- Use: It shows strong determination.
Examples:
- I’ll finish this project, come hell or high water!
- She promised to help her friend, hell or high water.
- We’re going to the concert, hell or high water!
👉 Think of it like saying: “Even if everything goes wrong, I won’t give up.”
2. Hell or High Watermelon
- Meaning: This is a humorous or mistaken version of “hell or high water.” People say it to sound funny, lighten the mood, or mimic the real idiom playfully.
- Part of speech: Slang/colloquial joke.
- Use: Mostly used online, in memes, or in lighthearted speech.
Examples:
- I’ll eat this ice cream, hell or high watermelon! 🍉
- “Hell or high watermelon” memes always make me laugh.
- My little brother says “hell or high watermelon” instead of “hell or high water.”
👉 It’s not grammatically correct but socially funny. Think of it as a language meme—a silly twist that makes people smile.
⚖️ The Key Difference Between “Hell or High Water” and “Hell or High Watermelon”
Here’s a quick comparison table to make it super clear:
| Feature | Hell or High Water | Hell or High Watermelon |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Idiom | Joke / Slang |
| Meaning | No matter what happens | Funny or mistaken version |
| Use in Writing | Formal or informal | Informal, humorous only |
| Correct Form | ✅ Yes, proper English idiom | ❌ No, incorrect (used playfully) |
| Example | “I’ll do it, come hell or high water.” | “I’ll do it, come hell or high watermelon!” |
Quick Tip to Remember:
💡 “Water” makes sense with “high,” but “watermelon” doesn’t!
So if you want to sound correct, use “hell or high water.”
If you want to sound funny or playful, “hell or high watermelon” can be a joke.
60+Is Odor a Physical or Chemical Property? Easy Definition 2025
🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1:
❌ I’ll get this done, come hell or high watermelon.
✅ I’ll get this done, come hell or high water.
Why it’s wrong: “Watermelon” changes the idiom’s meaning and sounds silly unless used as a joke.
Mistake 2:
❌ She swam through hell or high watermelon to finish the race.
✅ She swam through hell or high water to finish the race.
Why it’s wrong: “Hell or high water” means enduring tough times—not swimming through fruit!
Mistake 3:
❌ We’re going camping, hell or high watermelon!
✅ We’re going camping, hell or high water!
Tip: Think of “high water” as floods or challenges, not fruit bowls. 🍉
🕹️ When to Use “Hell or High Water”
Use “hell or high water” when you want to show strong determination, commitment, or stubbornness—especially when facing difficulties.
Examples:
- I’ll study hard and pass my exam, come hell or high water.
- We’ll finish this movie marathon, hell or high water.
- He kept his promise, hell or high water.
- Our team will win, hell or high water!
- I’ll get to school on time, hell or high water.
💡 Memory Hack:
Imagine walking through fire (hell) or flood (high water) but still moving forward. That’s the spirit of determination!
😂 When to Use “Hell or High Watermelon”
Use “hell or high watermelon” only when joking or playing with words. It’s great for humor, memes, or casual talk—but not in serious writing.
Examples:
- I’m getting that last slice of pizza, hell or high watermelon! 🍕
- “Hell or high watermelon” sounds like a summer party theme!
- She said she’d get there on time, hell or high watermelon.
- My teacher didn’t find “hell or high watermelon” as funny as I did.
- The internet loves “hell or high watermelon” memes.
💡 Memory Trick:
Picture a giant watermelon flood instead of water—funny but totally wrong! That’s why it’s a joke.
🔁 Quick Recap: Hell or High Water vs Hell or High Watermelon
- ✅ Hell or high water = correct idiom meaning “no matter what happens.”
- 😂 Hell or high watermelon = funny, playful mistake.
- Use “hell or high water” in essays, speeches, and serious talk.
- Use “hell or high watermelon” only for humor or social media jokes.
- Remember: Watermelon can’t flood a town, but high water can! 🌊🍉
📚 Advanced Tips and Origins
- The idiom “come hell or high water” dates back to the 1800s in the American West.
- It referred to cowboys and settlers who had to cross dangerous rivers or face harsh lands but kept going no matter what.
- It’s common in both British and American English.
- In writing or exams, always use the correct version: “hell or high water.”
- Online or in memes, “hell or high watermelon” is fine for fun—but remember it’s not grammatically right.
🧠 Mini Quiz: Test Yourself!
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase.
- I’ll finish my homework, come ________!
- Don’t give up, ________ or high water.
- We’re going to the beach, ________ or high watermelon!
- The team promised to win, ________ or high water.
- He said it jokingly: “I’ll get there, ________ or high watermelon!”
- She faced many problems, but she kept going ________ or high water.
- I love this meme—it says “hell or high ________!”
(Answers: 1. hell or high water, 2. hell, 3. hell, 4. hell, 5. hell, 6. hell, 7. watermelon)
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know the difference between “hell or high water” and “hell or high watermelon.”
One shows determination; the other shows humor!
Remember, the correct idiom is “come hell or high water”—it means you’ll do something no matter what obstacles appear. Use “hell or high watermelon” only if you want to make someone laugh.
Keep practicing English idioms daily, and soon you’ll speak with confidence—come hell or high water!
❓ FAQs
1. What does “come hell or high water” mean?
It means doing something no matter what challenges or problems come your way.
2. Is “hell or high watermelon” a real phrase?
No, it’s a humorous twist or internet joke on the original idiom “hell or high water.”
3. Can I use “hell or high watermelon” in writing?
Only in informal or funny contexts, like social media or conversations.
4. Where did “hell or high water” come from?
It originated in the 1800s, used by cowboys who faced tough natural challenges but kept going.
5. How can I remember the difference?
Think: “Water” can rise (floods), but “watermelon” can’t—so only hell or high water makes sense!
Marianne Solace is a lifestyle and personal-growth writer for WordContrast.com. Her work blends inspiration with practicality, offering thoughtful insights on wellness, creativity, and mindful living. When she’s not writing, Marianne enjoys journaling with a cup of coffee, exploring art museums, and helping others find balance through the written word.
