if push comes to shove

A form of 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.

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Meanings

phrase
  1. alternativeAlternative form of when push comes to shove
Cite this entry
APA

if push comes to shove. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20push%20comes%20to%20shove

MLA

“if push comes to shove.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20push%20comes%20to%20shove. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “if push comes to shove,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20push%20comes%20to%20shove.

Source: if push comes to shove on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.