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when the chips are down
01
used for referring to the time at which a situation gets really problematic, serious, or challenging
![when the chips [are] down definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40795/original/?type=jpeg "when the chips [are] down definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "when the chips are down" and when to use it?
The idiom "when the chips are down" originates from the world of gambling, where "chips" represent one's bets or stakes. In this context, it is used to refer to a situation in which one is facing a challenging or difficult situation, often when one's circumstances are at their most critical.
Examples
When the chips are down, you find out who your real friends are.
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