when the going gets tough
idiom
: when it becomes difficult to continue or to make progress
What will you do when the going gets tough?
Examples of when the going gets tough in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But criticism will be meaningless without credible assurance that the United States will work to help the WHO succeed rather than simply walk away when the going gets tough.
—
Ashish Jha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
However, there are three blind spots that often show up inside of organizations, and individuals, when the going gets tough.
—Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Katie Woo covers these Cards for The Athletic with diligence and care, even when the going gets tough.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
By Mathew Rodriguez April 29, 2025 For actress Nicola Coughlan, being an ally means that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Apr. 2025
For analysts at Vanguard, the investment firm, the roller-coaster ride provided a timely opportunity to study how investors behave when the going gets tough.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
But when the going gets tough, the tough get going and try to find solutions to generate more revenue, reduce costs, and increase earnings.
—Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
But even when the going gets tough, New Orleanians are known for taking it in stride.
—Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
This sets the tone for what to expect upfront and helps employees connect with the broader purpose of their work, keeping them motivated over time even when the going gets tough.
—Uriel Maslansky, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ashish Jha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
However, there are three blind spots that often show up inside of organizations, and individuals, when the going gets tough.
—Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Katie Woo covers these Cards for The Athletic with diligence and care, even when the going gets tough.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
By Mathew Rodriguez April 29, 2025 For actress Nicola Coughlan, being an ally means that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Apr. 2025
For analysts at Vanguard, the investment firm, the roller-coaster ride provided a timely opportunity to study how investors behave when the going gets tough.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
But when the going gets tough, the tough get going and try to find solutions to generate more revenue, reduce costs, and increase earnings.
—Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
But even when the going gets tough, New Orleanians are known for taking it in stride.
—Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
This sets the tone for what to expect upfront and helps employees connect with the broader purpose of their work, keeping them motivated over time even when the going gets tough.
—Uriel Maslansky, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“When the going gets tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/when%20the%20going%20gets%20tough. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share