when the going gets tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the going gets tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to convey that a situation has become difficult or challenging. For example: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the going gets tough, delegate.

The New York Times

Especially when the going gets tough.

Independent

They've also probably dropped out when the going gets tough.

Harvard University

When the going gets tough, the tough take accounting.

Stanford University

WHEN the going gets tough, the solvent get buying.

The Economist

Could that be an advantage, when the going gets tough?

Independent

Overview | How do people manage when the going gets tough?

The New York Times

So when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

The Economist

WHEN the going gets tough, the tough buy Swiss francs.

The Economist

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

The New Yorker

When the going gets tough, Philadelphians get clinical.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase, as it can be perceived as cliché in some situations. Opt for more specific language if a fresh or impactful expression is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "when the going gets tough" without providing context or a clear follow-up. It is more effective when coupled with an explanation of the actions taken or the outcomes achieved during challenging times. For instance, instead of simply stating, "When the going gets tough", elaborate with, "When the going gets tough, adaptability becomes crucial."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the going gets tough" functions as an adverbial clause of time. It sets the stage for a subsequent action or statement, indicating when that action or statement is relevant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when the going gets tough" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to introduce situations marked by difficulty or adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more specific language when a fresh or impactful expression is needed. Remember to use this phrase to set the stage for discussing resilience, strategies for overcoming challenges, and the importance of determination. Drawing from a broad range of sources, the idiom is frequently employed in News & Media, Academia and Science, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times featuring prominently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when things get difficult

Uses a simpler, more direct vocabulary.

in the face of hardship

Highlights resilience when confronting adversity.

when faced with challenges

Emphasizes confrontation with obstacles.

in trying circumstances

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

in times of adversity

Focuses on the presence of difficult conditions generally.

when the chips are down

Highlights a moment of crisis where the outcome is uncertain.

during difficult periods

Refers to an interval marked by hardship.

in moments of crisis

Focuses explicitly on critical junctures or turning points.

under pressure

Focuses on the experience of stress in challenging situations.

through thick and thin

Implies enduring commitment despite ups and downs.

FAQs

How can I use "when the going gets tough" in a sentence?

You can use "when the going gets tough" to introduce a situation where resilience or determination is needed. For example, "when the going gets tough the tough get going" is a common idiom.

What's a similar expression to "when the going gets tough"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in times of adversity", "when faced with challenges", or "during difficult periods".

Is "when the going gets tough" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "when the going gets tough" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans more towards informal usage due to its idiomatic nature.

What does it mean "when the going gets tough"?

The phrase "when the going gets tough" means when a situation becomes difficult or challenging. It suggests that perseverance and resilience are needed to overcome the difficulties.