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.

“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

“I'm not a huge fan of conflict, but when push comes to shove, I will,” McIlroy said.

From BBC • May 13, 2024

You're a writer, so it's like when push comes to shove, it doesn't matter how many payments we have left.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2023

“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

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

Related Words