Question

in_the_loop_773 when the situation is critical; when things are going badly The expression probably originates from a game like poker in which the players use ‘chips’ to represent money they are betting. To be ‘down on chips’ would be to not have many, or much money, left.

Accepted Answer

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN Henry is such a good friend. You can always count on him to help you when the chips are down.Laura’s a pleasant person, but she always seems to disappear when we need to get a project finished. When the chips are down, she’s never around.

Id	in_the_loop_773
Idiom	WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
Definition	when the situation is critical; when things are going badly
Examples	Henry is such a good friend. You can always count on him to help you when the chips are down. Laura’s a pleasant person, but she always seems to disappear when we need to get a project finished. When the chips are down, she’s never around.
Extra Info	The expression probably originates from a game like poker in which the players use ‘chips’ to represent money they are betting. To be ‘down on chips’ would be to not have many, or much money, left.

Chips Loop Situation Critical Things Badly Henry Good