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when the chips are down

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus 0.04 sec.
when the chips are down
Fig. at the final, critical moment; when things really get difficult. When the chips are down, I know that I can depend on Jean to help out. I knew you would come and help when the chips were down.
See also: chip

when the chips are down
when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation, especially one which tests whether you can trust people or which shows people's true opinions When the chips are down, you need people around you that you can depend on. When the chips were down, she found she didn't really love him as much as she thought.
See let the chips fall where they may, spit nails
See also: chip

when the chips are down
when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation When the chips are down, you need people around you that you can depend on. He's like that special best friend from high school you go to when the chips are down.
See also: chip


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