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when push comes to shove

NOUN

moment of truth

Synonyms

WEAK

charged moment climax crucial moment crunch decisive moment defining moment fated moment fateful moment kairos kairotic moment pregnant moment turning point

NOUN

point of no return

Synonyms

WEAK

Rubicon climax crossroads crunch decisive moment defining moment match point moment of truth terminus turning point

NOUN

turning point

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climax critical point crux culmination juncture twist

WEAK

axis change climacteric contingency crisis critical mass critical moment critical period crossing crossroads crucial moment crucial occurrence crucial period crunch cusp decisive moment defining moment development emergency exigency high noon hinge kairotic moment moment of truth nexus pass peak peripeteia pinch pivot pivotal moment point of no return race against time rising action shift strait transition turn of the tide zero hour

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.

So I do believe that, when push comes to shove, judges will do the right thing based on the law and will honor their commitment.

From Salon • Jul. 27, 2025

"But when push comes to shove and you haven't got the money… you've got no other option. It's heart-breaking."

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

“The gears of capitalism are such that it’s unlikely. There are too many brass rings here in the music world, and when push comes to shove, people just deal with it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

“We know, when push comes to shove, the results of that are 143 faculty getting shoved off a cliff with one vote,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 6, 2024

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

when push comes to shove

Example Sentences

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