Example: If worst comes to worst, we will stay at home.
Definition
"If worst comes to worst" is an expression used to describe a situation where the most severe or unfavorable outcome happens, often implying a fallback plan or last resort if things go badly. For example, it means preparing for the worst possible scenario.
Translations
si todo sale mal
als het ergste gebeurt
si tot va mal
au pire des cas
wenn das Schlimmste eintritt
Etymology
The phrase "if worst comes to worst" originates from a tautological play on words where 'worst' is used twice to emphasize the most extreme negative outcome. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has been commonly used in English since at least the 16th century to describe a last-resort situation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"If worst comes to worst" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 130 commonly used expressions.
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