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when the going gets tough, the tough get going

idiom

Definition of when the going gets tough, the tough get going

—used to say that when there are problems, strong people work hard to solve them

Word by Word Definitions

going play

  1. : an act or instance of going

  2. : behavior, actions

  3. : the condition of the ground (as for walking)

  1. : that goes

  2. : working, moving

  3. : living, existing

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get play gets

  1. : to gain possession of

  2. : to receive as a return : earn

  3. : to obtain by concession or entreaty

  1. : something begotten:

  2. : offspring

  3. : the entire progeny of a male animal

  1. : a document of release from obligation in Jewish law

  2. : a religious divorce by Jewish law

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tough play

  1. : difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with

  2. : capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor

  3. : unruly, rowdyish

  1. : in a tough manner (see 1tough)

  1. : a tough and violent person : rowdy

  1. : to bear unflinchingly : endure

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get play

  1. : to gain possession of

  2. : to receive as a return : earn

  3. : to obtain by concession or entreaty

  1. : something begotten:

  2. : offspring

  3. : the entire progeny of a male animal

  1. : a document of release from obligation in Jewish law

  2. : a religious divorce by Jewish law

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