How to Pronounce "when the chips are down"
expression
ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtʃɪps/ /ˈɑɹ/, /ɝ/ /ˈdaʊn
HWEN thuh CHIPS ar DOWN
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.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtʃɪps/ /ˈɑɹ/, /ɝ/ /ˈdaʊn
British English
wˈɛn/ /ðə, ði/ /tʃˈɪps/ /ɛə/ /dˈaʊn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HWEN thuh CHIPS ar DOWN
UK
WEN thuh CHIPS air DOWN
Listen in Context
When the chips are down, true friends will be by your side.
You see who is loyal when the chips are down.
We helped each other when the chips were down.
She always proves herself when the chips are down at work.