When the chips are down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtʃɪps/ /ˈɑɹ/, /ɝ/ /ˈdaʊn

HWEN thuh CHIPS ar DOWN

UK

wˈɛn/ /ðə, ði/ /tʃˈɪps/ /ɛə/ /dˈaʊn

WEN thuh CHIPS air DOWN

Definition

This expression means 'when things get really difficult or challenging,' especially at the most critical moment.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and idiomatic. Used to describe moments when a person's true character is revealed or crucial decisions must be made. Common in spoken English and storytelling. Not about gambling; don't use literally.

• Spanish: cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles - en los momentos difíciles
• Portuguese (BR): quando a situação aperta - quando as coisas ficam difíceis
• Portuguese (PT): quando a situação complica - quando as coisas ficam difíceis
• Chinese (Simplified): 在关键时刻 - 在困难时刻
• Chinese (Traditional): 在關鍵時刻 - 在困難時刻
• Hindi: मुश्किल समय में - जब हालात खराब हों
• Arabic: عندما تشتد الصعاب - في أوقات الشدة
• Bengali: সমস্যা যখন চরমে উঠে - সবচেয়ে কঠিন সময়
• Russian: когда наступают трудные времена - в самый решающий момент
• Japanese: いざという時 - 本当に大変な時
• Vietnamese: lúc khó khăn nhất - khi tình thế nguy cấp
• Korean: 진짜 위기일 때 - 결정적인 순간에
• Turkish: işler ciddiye bindiğinde - zor zamanlarda
• Urdu: سخت وقت میں - نازک موقع پر
• Indonesian: saat-saat sulit - saat kritis

Example Sentences

When the chips are down, true friends will be by your side.

basic

You see who is loyal when the chips are down.

basic

We helped each other when the chips were down.

basic

She always proves herself when the chips are down at work.

natural

Don't worry, he'll show up when the chips are down.

natural

You learn who you can trust when the chips are down.

natural