when push comes to shove
When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“When push comes to shove, I will help you move.”
“We hope to finish the project on time, but when push comes to shove, we can work through the weekend.”
“Although they preferred to avoid conflict, when push comes to shove, the board members are prepared to make the difficult decision to cut the budget.”
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appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 02
as they come
As it is possible to be.
- 03
blow to kingdom come
To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).
- 04
burn that bridge when one comes to it
To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.
- 05
Christmas come early
Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.
- 06
come a cropper
To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.
- 07
come a long way
To make significant progress.
- 08
come again
A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.
Last updated August 10, 2026