when the chips are down

英语

词源

指在打扑克时，将筹码（即chips）放下的时候。

发音

• （英国）音频：

  (档案)

• （澳洲）音频：

  (档案)

短语

when the chips are down

1. (俗语) 紧急情况下，在紧要关头

   He wasn't a very talented musician but, when the chips were down, he played well.

   他不是特别有音乐家才能，但是在关键时刻，他演奏得很好。

   When the chips are down, you need to make tough decisions.

   紧要关头时，你需要作出艰难抉择。

   • 1950年6月26日, Alex H. Washburn, “Korea — Sound of War”, 出自 Hope Star‎^[1], 第 51 卷, 第 214 期, Hope, Ark.，第 1 页，第 1 列:

     The armed forces of North Korea, which borders on and is allied with Russian Manchuria, marched into the U. S.-sponsored South Korea Republic over the week-end — and the chips are down for American prestige throughout the Far East.

     （请为本引文添加中文翻译）

   • Template:RQ:Wonder Fool
   • 2023年12月6日, Sam Lansky, “Person of Year 2023 : Taylor Swift”, 出自 Time‎^[2]:

     “Lucian and Monte basically said to me, ‘Whatever you turn in, we will be proud to put out. We give you 100% creative freedom and trust.’” It was exactly what she needed to hear most when the chips were down.

     （请为本引文添加中文翻译）

参见

• in a pinch
• when push comes to shove
• when the gloves come off