when the going gets tough

when the going gets tough

When things become very difficult or unpleasant to deal with; when it becomes very hard to keep carrying on. Everyone in our neighborhood is very close, so when the going gets tough for anyone, there's always someone to lend a hand. We all work pretty independently here, but our boss always helps out when the going gets tough.

See also: get, going, tough

when the going gets tough, the tough get going

proverb When things become very difficult or unpleasant to deal with, people with true resolve, determination, or strength of character will take action and find the means to continue carrying on. Plenty of other companies our size decided to call it quits when the economy started to dip, but we are bound and determined to survive this recession, by any means necessary. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Our coach's methods often seem extreme to a lot of people, but his strict training regimen ensures that only the most serious and capable athletes remain on the team—when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

See also: get, going, tough

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

when the going gets tough

 and if the going gets tough; when the going gets rough; if the going gets rough

as things get extremely difficult; when it becomes difficult to proceed. When the going gets tough, I will be there to help you. If the going gets tough, just give me a call.

See also: get, going, tough

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

when the ˌgoing gets ˈtough (the ˌtough get ˈgoing)

(saying) when conditions or progress become difficult, then strong and determined people work even harder to succeed: I know it’s going to be hard work, but you can always call me when the going gets tough.

See also: get, going, tough

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017