when the chips are down

英語

詞源

指在打撲克時，將籌碼（即chips）放下的時候。

發音

• （英國）音頻：

  (檔案)

• （澳洲）音頻：

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短語

when the chips are down

1. (俗語) 緊急情況下，在緊要關頭

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

   他不是特別有音樂家才能，但是在關鍵時刻，他演奏得很好。

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

   緊要關頭時，你需要作出艱難抉擇。

   • 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 頁，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.

     （請為本引文添加中文翻譯）

   • 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.

     （請為本引文添加中文翻譯）

參見

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