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When the chips are down

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiomatic phrase meaning during difficult times, crises, or moments of truth, originating from poker where low chips indicate hardship, testing character and resilience.

Detailed Definition
When the chips are down means when circumstances are difficult, risky, or decisive, and true character is revealed. The phrase draws on gambling, where the chips represent stakes placed in danger. In poetry, it can describe loyalty under pressure, courage in defeat, love during hardship, or integrity when comfort is gone. A poet may use it to contrast easy promises with tested devotion. The idiom is useful for exploring crisis as revelation, where people show what they value when loss is possible.
Example
Example in poetry:
A war poem might show who remains loyal when the chips are down; In a friendship lyric, the true companion appears when the chips are down and laughter has gone; The phrase means in a difficult or critical moment; A poet can use it for loyalty and trial.
Additional Notes
When the chips are down means when conditions are difficult and true character is tested. The phrase comes from gambling, where chips on the table represent real stakes. In poetry, it can explore loyalty, courage, friendship, poverty, illness, and moral pressure. Students should notice that crisis reveals hidden values: who stays, who pays, who folds. It pairs well with cards, tables, wagers, empty pockets, and decisive moments.
Also Known As
crisis
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