If the going gets rough Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪf/, /ɪf/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡoʊɪn/, /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/ /ˈɡɛts/, /ˈɡɪts/ /ˈɹəf

IF thuh GOH-in gets RUFF

UK

ˈɪf/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡˈəʊɪŋ/ /ɡˈɛts/ /ɹˈʌf

if thuh goh-ING gets RUFF

Definition

This informal expression means if the situation becomes difficult or challenging.

Usage & Nuances

Used in informal and motivational contexts. Often appears as part of 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going'. Commonly used to discuss plans or behaviors in the face of adversity.

• Spanish: si las cosas se ponen difíciles
• Portuguese (BR): se as coisas ficarem difíceis
• Portuguese (PT): se as coisas ficarem difíceis
• Chinese (Simplified): 如果情况变得艰难
• Chinese (Traditional): 如果情況變得艱難
• Hindi: अगर हालात कठिन हो जाएँ
• Arabic: إذا أصبحت الأمور صعبة
• Bengali: যদি পরিস্থিতি কঠিন হয়ে ওঠে - যদি অবস্থা খারাপ হয়
• Russian: если станет трудно - если дела станут тяжелыми
• Japanese: 状況が厳しくなったら - 困難になったら
• Vietnamese: nếu mọi chuyện trở nên khó khăn
• Korean: 상황이 힘들어지면 - 일이 어려워지면
• Turkish: işler zorlaşırsa - işler kötüye giderse
• Urdu: اگر حالات مشکل ہو جائیں
• Indonesian: jika keadaan menjadi sulit - jika situasi memburuk

Example Sentences

Don’t worry, I’ll back you up if the going gets rough.

natural

Sometimes, if the going gets rough, it's best to take a break and regroup.

natural

If the going gets rough, remember why you started in the first place.

natural

We'll ask for help if the going gets rough during the hike.

basic

If the going gets rough, call me and I'll help you.

basic

You can leave early if the going gets rough at work.

basic