When the Chips Are Down: The situation is urgent or desperate, or both.
The term comes from poker, where the chips represent money being wagered. When all the bets are in, the hand is over and the cards must be turned faceup to determine who has the winning hand. From the same source come two other clichés:
- To Cash in One’s Chips: Meaning to die, since turning in one’s chips for money signifies the end of the game.
- In the Chips: Meaning to be rich, that is, having very many chips.
All these expressions date from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Fun with Related Terms, Expressions, and Similar Phrases:
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All In: Risking everything in a single effort.
- Synonyms: Betting the farm, putting all eggs in one basket.
- Antonyms: Playing it safe, hedging bets.
- 🎤 “No risk, no reward,” as Mase raps in “Feel So Good”.
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High Stakes: High risk and high reward.
- Synonyms: High wire act, at stake.
- Antonyms: Low stakes, low risk.
- 🎬 Watch “Casino Royale” for some high stakes poker action.
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The Long Shot: A bet or guess that has a small chance of succeeding.
- Synonyms: Outside chance, Hail Mary.
- Antonyms: Sure thing, safe bet.
- 📚 Read “Seabiscuit: An American Legend” by Laura Hillenbrand.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.” — Multiple Attributed
Thought-Provoking Proverbs:
- “Fortune favors the brave.” — Latin Proverb
- “The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.” — Colloquial Wisdom
Suggested Literature, Songs, and Media:
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Literature: “The Big Deal” by Anthony Holden
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Movies: “Rounders”, starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton
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Songs: “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
🎧 “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.”
Inspirational Farewell:
Remember, life is much like a poker game. Playing safe might keep you comfortable, but sometimes you have to go all in to turn your fortunes around. Keep your cards close, know when to fold, and always play with passion.
Quiz Time!
Happy playing, and may the odds always be in your favor!
