English

Phrase

when push comes to shove

1. (idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult.

   He is not a particularly talented builder, but when push comes to shove, he can usually get the job done.

Translations

See also

• in a pinch
• nut-cutting time
• when the chips are down
• when the gloves come off