When-the-chips-are-down Definition

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

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.
Wiktionary

Origin of When-the-chips-are-down

  • From the game of poker.

    From Wiktionary

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to when-the-chips-are-down using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Word Length