when the chips are down
US /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/
UK /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/
1.
when a situation is difficult or serious
:
•
You'll see who your true friends are when the chips are down.
•
He always performs best when the chips are down.
when a situation is difficult or serious