when push  come  to shove
when
wɛn
ven
push
pʊʃ
poosh
come
kʌm
kam
to
shove
ʃʌv
shav
if push comes to shove

Definition & Meaning of "when push come to shove"in English

when push come to shove
01

used when a situation reaches a critical point and one must take action in order to deal with it 

when push [come] to shove definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "when push comes to shove" and when to use it?

The phrase "when push comes to shove" is an idiom used to describe a situation when things become difficult or critical, often requiring decisive action or revealing one's true intentions. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely draws from the idea that when external pressure is applied (a push), individuals may be compelled to act or make a decision (shove).

Examples
When push comes to shove, we will have to make a decision. 
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