When the chips are down
phrase
At a difficult time, especially a time when one's failures or shortcomings are revealed.
He's always been there for me, even when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- even when the chips are down
- prove oneself when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When a situation becomes critical or difficult.
You really know who your friends are when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- know who your friends are when the chips are down
- show one's true colors when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When circumstances are pressing and outcome is vital.
He always delivers when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- deliver when the chips are down
- be reliable when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
At a difficult time, especially a time when one's failures or shortcomings are revealed.
He's always been there for me, even when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- even when the chips are down
- prove oneself when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When a situation becomes critical or difficult.
You really know who your friends are when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- know who your friends are when the chips are down
- show one's true colors when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
When circumstances are pressing and outcome is vital.
He always delivers when the chips are down.
Often appears as...
- deliver when the chips are down
- be reliable when the chips are down
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
The phrase often conveys emotional struggle or support in hard times.
My true friends appeared when the chips were down.
Pro Tip 2/3Revealing Character
It implies a situation that tests and reveals a person's true nature.
Leaders prove their worth when the chips are down.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Literality
Do not confuse with literal chips; the phrase is metaphorical.
It's not about poker; it's about when the chips are down in life.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
The phrase often conveys emotional struggle or support in hard times.
My true friends appeared when the chips were down.
Pro Tip 2/3Revealing Character
It implies a situation that tests and reveals a person's true nature.
Leaders prove their worth when the chips are down.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Literality
Do not confuse with literal chips; the phrase is metaphorical.
It's not about poker; it's about when the chips are down in life.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
The phrase often conveys emotional struggle or support in hard times.
My true friends appeared when the chips were down.
Pro Tip 2/3Revealing Character
It implies a situation that tests and reveals a person's true nature.
Leaders prove their worth when the chips are down.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Literality
Do not confuse with literal chips; the phrase is metaphorical.
It's not about poker; it's about when the chips are down in life.
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