When push comes to shove

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Meaning

When it gets tough or critical, forcing action.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to street scraps; 'push to shove' meant escalation, slang by 1890s for need. A 1898 'New York Times' uses it for a tight spot.

Variants

  • Push to shove

Usage Examples

  • When push comes to shove, he'll step up.
  • She fights when push comes to shove.
  • When push comes to shove, we'll decide.

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