When the chips are down

Meaning

The idiom "when the chips are down" refers to a time or situation when things are serious, critical, or at their worst. It's often used to describe a point of no return, where all options have been exhausted and there's no turning back. The phrase alludes to the game of poker, where players place their chips on the table as a bet, representing a final commitment or risk.

Usage

• "When the chips are down, you need to be honest with yourself about what's really important."
• "The company's shares were down and investors had lost faith in the CEO's leadership."
• "I know I can't back out now - when the chips are down, you have to keep playing."
• "We were on the brink of bankruptcy, but we pulled through when the chips were down."
• "When the chips are down, it's time to dig deep and find the strength to keep going." The usage of "when the chips are down" can vary depending on the context. For example, in a serious or critical situation, the idiom can be used to emphasize the importance of facing the issue head-on. In a more lighthearted setting, the phrase may be used to describe a time when things get tough and you need to buckle up and ride it out.

Roots and History

The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the game of poker. In poker, players place their chips on the table as a bet, representing a final commitment or risk. When the chips are down, it means that all options have been exhausted, and there's no turning back. The idiom may have been used to describe a time when things were at their worst in a game of poker, and all players were taking a big risk by placing their chips on the table. Over time, the meaning of "when the chips are down" has evolved to include any situation that requires a final commitment or risk. The idiom is now commonly used to describe a point of no return in any context, whether it's in business, politics, or personal life.

Synonyms in English

• When things come to a head
• When all options have been exhausted
• When all bets are off
• When there's no turning back
• When you're down to your last card

Synonyms in other languages

• 烧饪 (Japanese) - This idiom translates to "burn the boat" and refers to a time when there's no going back, as if you've burned your only means of escape.
• فيناء العلى هذا الأحر (Arabic) - This idiom translates to "the end of the last hour" and refers to a time when everything is at its worst, with no hope for change or improvement.
• מים חרוט (Hebrew) - This idiom translates to "water of death" and refers to a situation that's dire and impossible to escape.
• אל אנשים בכן באהבות יסועה שרים (Hebrew) - This idiom translates to "men who love with great difficulty" and refers to a situation that's difficult to overcome, but worth the effort.
• מלך תנוחה (Hebrew) - This idiom translates to "King of Peace" and refers to a time when everything is calm and peaceful, with no conflicts or challenges to face.

Similar Idioms

• wear off, out

• cut down

• warm-hearted