when the chips are down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘when the chips are down’ mean?
When the chips are down means when a situation becomes extremely difficult or a crucial moment arrives, often referring to a time when one's fate or success is at stake.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up against it" means to be facing a difficult or challenging situation where there are few options or resources available. It signifies being in a tight spot with little or no room for maneuvering.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" is a figurative expression used to describe the act of taking advantage or attacking someone who is already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "rock bottom" refers to the lowest possible point or level of something. It is often used to describe a situation or a person's life when they have hit a point of extreme difficulty or failure.
When someone is "out of their depth," it means they are in a situation that is too difficult or complex for them to handle or understand.
Out of one's depth is an idiomatic expression that has its roots in nautical terminology. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a person is overwhelmed or lacking the necessary expertise or knowledge to deal with a task or challenge. This idiom implies a sense of being out of one's comfort zone.
An idiom meaning to be in a difficult or challenging situation that needs to be resolved or fixed. It implies being in a state of trouble or inconvenience.
The idiom "on the bubble" means being in a situation where success or failure is uncertain, potentially being at risk of elimination or not making a desired outcome.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "have had one's chips" means to be defeated or to have failed, often resulting in a negative outcome or consequence. It is commonly used to express the idea of someone being at the end of their chances or opportunities.
Gambling and Adversity: A Fresh Outlook
When the chips are down, it means that a situation has become difficult or critical. This idiom is used to describe a time when someone is facing a challenging or unfavorable circumstance, often in reference to their ability to handle it or remain resilient. The phrase originated in the world of gambling, specifically poker, where players use chips to represent money. When a player is losing and their chip stack is dwindling, they are said to be in a precarious situation.
The idiom "when the chips are down" gained popularity outside of the gambling world and was used more broadly to describe challenging situations in various contexts. It is frequently employed in business, sports, and everyday life to convey the idea of facing adversity or being in a difficult position.
The expression serves as a reminder that people's true character and abilities are often revealed in difficult times. When the chips are down, one's true strength and resilience are put to the test. It reflects the belief that individuals can show their true mettle when facing adversity.
when push comes to shove is another idiom that is related to when the chips are down. This idiom means that when a situation becomes urgent or difficult, action must be taken. It emphasizes the point at which one can no longer avoid or delay dealing with a problem, and a decision or action needs to be made. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency and the need for decisive action in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "have had one's chips" is another related phrase. This idiom means that someone has failed or been defeated, often in a significant or final way. It originated in the world of gambling, where running out of chips signifies a player's loss and inability to continue in the game. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a situation in which someone is no longer able to continue or recover from a setback.
"down and out" is yet another idiom that relates to when the chips are down. This idiom refers to someone who is in a state of poverty, destitution, or despair. It conveys a sense of being at the lowest point, both financially and emotionally. It is often used to describe individuals who have hit rock bottom and are struggling to overcome significant challenges.
When the chips are down, it becomes a defining moment that can reveal one's true character and resolve. This phrase is more than just an idiom; it reflects the challenges and tests that individuals face in life. Whether it's in the business world, sports, or everyday life, there will always be times when we are pushed to our limits and forced to confront difficult situations.
During these challenging moments, our true strength and resilience are put to the test. We are faced with tough choices and must take decisive action. When push comes to shove, we cannot afford to hesitate or procrastinate. We must rise to the occasion and make the necessary decisions to navigate through adversity.
There may also be times when we have had our chips and we feel defeated. We may have experienced setbacks or failures that make us question our abilities. However, it is important to remember that setbacks are part of the journey. We may have had our chips, but that doesn't mean we are out of the game.
Being down and out is a difficult place to be. It can feel like there is no way out and no hope for a better future. However, even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light. It is during these times that we often discover our true strength and resilience. We find the motivation to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.
When the chips are down, it's important to remember that we are not alone. We have the support of those around us, whether it's friends, family, or colleagues. They can provide us with the encouragement and guidance we need to navigate through challenging situations and come out stronger on the other side.
The idiom "when the chips are down" captures the essence of facing challenging situations and adversity. It originated in the world of gambling but has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts. When the chips are down, it becomes a defining moment that puts our true character and resolve to the test. It reminds us to take decisive action when push comes to shove, to persevere even when we feel like we have had our chips, and to find the strength to rise above when we are down and out.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "when the chips are down" can be used in a sentence:
- She always comes through and shows her true character when the chips are down. - The team managed to pull together and win the game when the chips were down. - Despite facing financial difficulties, the company was able to innovate and thrive when the chips were down.More "Adversity" idioms
