When the chips are down

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Meaning

In a tough or key moment, stakes high.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to poker; 'chips down' meant all bets, slang by 1890s for dire. A 1914 'Saturday Evening Post' uses it for a broke play.

Usage Examples

  • When the chips are down, he shines.
  • Chips are down-we've got to act.
  • When the chips were down, she stayed.

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