Idiom – When the Chips Are Down

When the Chips Are Down – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

A very hard situation.

History:

It originated in the 1900s from poker. Poker is a game which involves cards and chips, sometimes chips stand for real money. While playing the game, players bet against each other by putting forward their chips and the situation is very serious. As when the cards will be unfolded the situation can be reversed. This expression was initially published in 1901 by Frank yerby in Floodtide.

Example:

1. When the chips are down, true faces of people are revealed.
2. One must keep faith in god when the chips are down.
3. When the chips are down, I know whom I can depend upon.
4. One can depend upon Sam when the chips are down.
5. Please come to us when the chips are down.
6. Anyone can be good at selling, but when chips are down and you have to grind. Your true skills are tested.
7. When the chips are down, instead of feeling disheartened, one should think about their old achievements and remind themselves that they have done it before and can do it again.
8. One should act wisely when the chips are down.
9. When the chips are down, do what you have to do.

Scenario:

Wife: what will we do now? You are jobless and I am a housewife. We have to pay our home loan and bills are piling up too.

Husband: Maintain your calm. Sometimes, when the chips are down, opportunities come up unexpectedly. But in order to understand that opportunity, we must remain calm.