"When push comes to shove" is an American idiomatic expression meaning: when things get tense or difficult or when the pressure is on. The implication in such a situation is that some kind of action is required on the part of those involved to successfully get through or resolve the difficult situation. This expression can begin with if, also: "If push comes to shove..."
Push means to apply pressure or force against something in order to move it, like the action taken to open a door with one's hand.
Shove means an aggressive action of pushing forward.
Photo: Personal Archives
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| Rafting at Brotas, Brazil |
When looking at these two words individually and then relating them one to the other you get something like this: The application of pushing against something that becomes more intense, stronger. So if we think of the expression, when push comes to shove, the imagery we get is that someone is pushing against some opposing force, be it a difficult situation, or challenge, or something in the physical realm which causes discomfort or presents a degree of danger. In other words the opposing force could be a heavy door, a divorce, a race, a fight that someone needs to get through (survive or conquer) and not be defeated by it.
Examples in sentences:
- When push comes to shove we are going to make it to the top of Mt. Everest.
- If push comes to shove they will have to confront the boss.
- You'll do well in the competition when push comes to shove.
- If push comes to shove the astronauts have the necessary training and stamina to deal with any tough situation they might encounter.
- When push comes to shove the little girl conquers her shyness the first few days at the new school.
So, there you have it! This should help you on your way to speaking impressive American English!
Photo: Personal Archives
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| Lisa's first River Rafting experience at Brotas (2014) |
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