ENGLISH
REFERENCE

worst comes to worst

idiom
Meaning

If a possible worst-case scenario actually occurs.


Origin

disputed origin

Originally in the form "if the worst come to the worst" with the subjunctive "if it come to" in the sense of "if the worst possible outcome should become the worst possible reality". Often used even today with the same two definite articles, and this is the only form recorded for British English in some dictionaries.

Examples
SIMPLE

If worst comes to worst, we can take the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

I have enough savings to pay the rent for two months if worst comes to worst and I lose my job.

COMPLEX

The climbers carried extra supplies, knowing that if worst comes to worst, they might have to spend an unplanned night on the mountain.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  2. 02

    be one's own worst enemy

    To act contrary to one's own interests; to cause problems for oneself; to self-sabotage.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    cross that bridge when one comes to it

    To deal with a problem or situation only if and when it arises.

  5. 05

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  6. 06

    in the worst way

    Urgently; desperately; to an extreme degree.

  7. 07

    one's ship comes in

    One makes or comes into possession of a significant amount of money.

  8. 08

    take something as it comes

    To accept and deal with something (an event, etc.) as it occurs, with a composed state of mind.

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