when the chips are down

From the game of poker, in which chips laid down on the table are staked.

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

when the chips are down

1. (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.

   • 1950 June 26, Alex H. Washburn, “Korea — Sound of War”, in Hope Star‎, volume 51, number 214, Hope, Ark., page 1, column 1:

     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.

   • 1968 December 8, Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy, Stevie Wonder (lyrics and music), “I’d Be a Fool Right Now”, in For Once in My Life, performed by Stevie Wonder:

     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

   • 2023 December 6, Sam Lansky, “Person of Year 2023 : Taylor Swift”, in Time‎:

     “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.

• in a pinch
• when push comes to shove
• when the gloves come off