english
1
general::
Phrase(s): when push comes to shove [and] if push comes to shove Fig. when things get a little pressed; when the situation gets more active or intense. • When push comes to shove, you know I’ll be on your side. • If push comes to shove at the meeting, the front office can back you up with some statistics.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs