if it comes to the crunch
If it becomes critical. Related to "crunch time," which is a critical period of time characterized by a heightened pressure to succeed, usually at or near the end of a given situation or undertaking. If it comes to the crunch, I can ask my dad for the money. I don't like either solution, but if it comes to the crunch, I think our best bet is to consolidate the companies into a single entity. The candidate's polling numbers are not great. If it comes to the crunch, we'll have to get an alternative into the race instead.
when it comes to the crunch
When it is critical. Related to "crunch time," which is a critical period of time characterized by a heightened pressure to succeed, usually at or near the end of a given situation or undertaking. Also seen as "when the crunch comes." I know we haven't always been able to rely on him, but when it comes to the crunch, he'll be there. When it comes to the crunch, you better be ready to perform.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
when it comes to the crunch
or if it comes to the crunch
COMMON If you talk about what you do when it comes to the crunch or what you will do if it comes to the crunch, you mean what you do or what you will do when a situation reaches a critical point. I know when it comes to the crunch, he'll support me and be there for me. If it comes to the crunch, I'll resign over this. Note: You can also say the crunch comes when a situation reaches a critical point. The crunch came when we discovered newly promoted managers were getting more money than we were. Note: You can refer to the time when an important decision has to be made as crunch time. It is crunch time for the future of the society, which is absolutely in policyholders' hands. Note: `Crunch' is the sound used to imitate the sound of something hard being crushed, broken or eaten.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012