when push comes to shove
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hybrid players are a bit like concept cars - glitzy, intriguing ideas but, when push comes to shove, coaches have invariably chosen something more reliable and conventional to actually go from A to B.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2025
“They would argue that that’s perfectly within Morocco’s rights to do, but when push comes to shove, Morocco will have to make a choice.”
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 26, 2023
Not surprisingly, when push comes to shove over limited resources, the researchers found that larger-bodied animals tend to win.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 17, 2022
We, as consumers, mothers, daughters, fathers and friends, have a right to know what these companies are going to do when push comes to shove with our most intimate and sensitive information.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2022
She understands that when push comes to shove, literally or otherwise, that she must rely on other people being good and doing the right thing.
From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti
