Meaning of when the chips are down | Babel Free

Definitions

When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical.

idiomatic

Examples

“He wasn't a very talented musician but, when the chips were down, he played well.”

“When the chips are down, you need⟳ to make⟳ tough decisions.”

“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.”

“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”

““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.”

CEFR level