When the going gets rough Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡoʊɪn/, /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/ /ˈɡɛts/, /ˈɡɪts/ /ˈɹəf

WHEN thuh GOH-in gets RUFF

UK

wˈɛn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡˈəʊɪŋ/ /ɡˈɛts/ /ɹˈʌf

wen thuh GOH-ing gets RUFF

Definition

This expression means when a situation becomes difficult, challenging, or stressful.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal English. Often used as part of the proverb 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.' Can be used for work, life, or any challenge. Do not use for minor everyday annoyances—it's for serious difficulties.

• Spanish: cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles - cuando la situación se complica
• Portuguese (BR): quando as coisas ficam difíceis - quando a situação aperta
• Portuguese (PT): quando as coisas ficam difíceis - quando a situação se complica
• Chinese (Simplified): 当情况变得艰难时 - 遇到困难时
• Chinese (Traditional): 當情況變得艱難時 - 遇到困難時
• Hindi: जब हालात कठिन हो जाते हैं
• Arabic: عندما تصبح الأمور صعبة - عندما تزداد الأمور سوءاً
• Bengali: পরিস্থিতি কঠিন হয়ে পড়লে - বিপদে পড়লে
• Russian: когда становится трудно - когда наступают трудные времена
• Japanese: 状況が厳しくなったとき - 困難な時
• Vietnamese: khi tình thế trở nên khó khăn
• Korean: 상황이 힘들어질 때 - 어려워질 때
• Turkish: işler zorlaştığında - işler sıkıntıya girdiğinde
• Urdu: جب حالات مشکل ہو جائیں - جب وقت مشکل ہو
• Indonesian: saat situasi menjadi sulit - saat keadaan berat

Example Sentences

We must work together when the going gets rough.

basic

When the going gets rough, don't give up.

basic

My parents help me when the going gets rough.

basic

You really see people's true colors when the going gets rough.

natural

Our team sticks together when the going gets rough—that's what makes us strong.

natural

Don’t worry if things get hard—just remember what to do when the going gets rough.

natural