when the chips are down en · X
Pronunciation
Etymology
From the game of poker, in which chips laid down on the table are staked.
Meanings
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(idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical.
When the chips are down, you need to make tough decisions.
“Lucian and Monte basically said to me, ‘Whatever you turn in, we will be proud to put out. We give you 100% creative freedom and trust.’” It was exactly what she needed to hear most when the chips were down.
2023 December 6, Sam Lansky, “Person of Year 2023 : Taylor Swift”, in Time, archived from the original on 06 Dec 2023:The armed forces of North Korea, which borders on and is allied with Russian Manchuria, marched into the U. S.-sponsored South Korea Republic over the week-end — and the chips are down for American prestige throughout the Far East.
1950 June 26, Alex H. Washburn, “Korea — Sound of War”, in Hope Star, volume 51, number 214, Hope, Ark., page 1, column 1:They say that when the chips are down, girl Your love won't stay so long, my friend But they don't know that your sweet loving, babe Has been around through thick and thin
1968 December 8, Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy, Stevie Wonder, “I’d Be a Fool Right Now”, in For Once in My Life, performed by Stevie Wonder, Tamla Records:He wasn't a very talented musician but, when the chips were down, he played well.
Relateds
when push comes to shove · when the gloves come off · in a pinch