When push comes to shove
phrase
Used to express the critical time for action or decision.
John always says he will start studying earlier, but when push comes to shove, he always leaves it until the last minute.
Often appears as...
- when push comes to shove
- i'll choose to...; when push comes to shove
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When the situation becomes difficult and action is necessary.
When push comes to shove, we can always move back home with parents.
Often appears as...
- when push comes to shove
- we'll have to...; if push comes to shove
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to express the critical time for action or decision.
John always says he will start studying earlier, but when push comes to shove, he always leaves it until the last minute.
Often appears as...
- when push comes to shove
- i'll choose to...; when push comes to shove
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When the situation becomes difficult and action is necessary.
When push comes to shove, we can always move back home with parents.
Often appears as...
- when push comes to shove
- we'll have to...; if push comes to shove
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Action Time
Use it to highlight the moment when actions truly matter, often under pressure.
Everyone's friendly when things are easy, but when push comes to shove, you'll see who your real friends are.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Decisions
Indicates a situation where one needs to make a serious or definitive decision.
She's undecided now, but when push comes to shove, I think she'll choose the right college.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Increase
Suggest a situation escalating to a point where a response cannot be avoided.
I avoid arguing, but when push comes to shove, I will stand up for my beliefs.
Pro Tip 1/3Action Time
Use it to highlight the moment when actions truly matter, often under pressure.
Everyone's friendly when things are easy, but when push comes to shove, you'll see who your real friends are.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Decisions
Indicates a situation where one needs to make a serious or definitive decision.
She's undecided now, but when push comes to shove, I think she'll choose the right college.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Increase
Suggest a situation escalating to a point where a response cannot be avoided.
I avoid arguing, but when push comes to shove, I will stand up for my beliefs.
Pro Tip 1/3Action Time
Use it to highlight the moment when actions truly matter, often under pressure.
Everyone's friendly when things are easy, but when push comes to shove, you'll see who your real friends are.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Decisions
Indicates a situation where one needs to make a serious or definitive decision.
She's undecided now, but when push comes to shove, I think she'll choose the right college.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Increase
Suggest a situation escalating to a point where a response cannot be avoided.
I avoid arguing, but when push comes to shove, I will stand up for my beliefs.
Never forget "When push comes to shove"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension