if (the) worse comes to (the) worst

phrase

: if the worst possible thing happens
If worse comes to worst, you can always ask me for help.

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Cite this Entry

“If (the) worse comes to (the) worst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20%28the%29%20worse%20comes%20to%20%28the%29%20worst. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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