Example: If push comes to shove, I will help you move tomorrow.
Definition
"If push comes to shove" is an expression used to indicate a situation where a decision or action must be made if circumstances become more serious or urgent. It implies readiness to take necessary steps when faced with pressure or difficulty.
Translations
si llega el momento decisivo
als het erop aankomt
si arriba el moment decisiu
si les choses se compliquent
wenn es darauf ankommt
Etymology
The phrase "if push comes to shove" likely originates from physical confrontation imagery, where 'push' and 'shove' represent escalating force or pressure. It humorously suggests that when gentle persuasion fails, more direct action is inevitable. The exact origin is unclear but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century.
Learn to use this expression actively
"If push comes to shove" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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