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Maj Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Chips

Can anyone tell me what " when the chips are down" means? I would appreciate an example.
  

Top answer

Maj, The phrase has a gambling origin. Chuck Moreland offers the following: Meaning: Tough times, when things are looking bleak. Origin: From the practice of using chips as a substitute for money when gambling.

  • Maj, The phrase has a gambling origin.
  • Chuck Moreland offers the following: Meaning: Tough times, when things are looking bleak.
  • Origin: From the practice of using chips as a substitute for money when gambling.
  • When winning you accumulate a lot of chips.
  • When you lose, your chips dwindle down.
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1 Answers
0
Maj,

The phrase has a gambling origin. Chuck Moreland offers the following:

Meaning: Tough times, when things are looking bleak.

Origin: From the practice of using chips as a substitute for money when gambling. When winning you accumulate a lot of chips. When you lose, your chips dwindle down.


When the chips are down, it is important to s

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