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
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
Because when the going gets tough, those external promises feel empty.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
That trait has shined through during this postseason, as when the going gets tough or the moment is heightened, the point guard consistently delivers.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2024
Yet, when the going gets tough, many fold, their discipline crumbling under pressure.
—Alexandre Douzet, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
This level of respect ensures that the team stays engaged and committed, even when the going gets tough.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 20 Sep. 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.
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
Because when the going gets tough, those external promises feel empty.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
That trait has shined through during this postseason, as when the going gets tough or the moment is heightened, the point guard consistently delivers.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2024
Yet, when the going gets tough, many fold, their discipline crumbling under pressure.
—Alexandre Douzet, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
This level of respect ensures that the team stays engaged and committed, even when the going gets tough.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 20 Sep. 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 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share