when the chips are down
US /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/
UK /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/

1.
apabila keadaan genting, apabila situasi sukar
when a situation is difficult or serious
:
•
You'll see who your true friends are when the chips are down.
Anda akan tahu siapa kawan sejati anda apabila keadaan genting.
•
He always performs best when the chips are down.
Dia sentiasa beraksi terbaik apabila keadaan genting.