when the chips are down
US /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/
UK /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/
1.
当情况危急时, 在关键时刻
when a situation is difficult or serious
:
•
You'll see who your true friends are when the chips are down.
当情况危急时，你就会知道谁是你的真朋友。
•
He always performs best when the chips are down.
在关键时刻，他总是表现得最好。