English

Alternative forms

• worse comes to worse, worse comes to worst

Adverb

worst comes to worst

1. (idiomatic) If a possible worst-case scenario actually occurs.
   • H. G. Wells - The War of the Worlds

     "A shell in the pit" said I, "if the worst comes to the worst will kill them all."

2. (idiomatic) If an already bad situation progresses into a catastrophic situation.

   Worst comes to worst, these stock certificates will make fine wallpaper.

Coordinate terms

• push comes to shove

Translations

References

1. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/magazine/06FOB-onlanguage-t.html