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Phrase(s): When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Prov. When things are difficult, strong people take action and do not despair. (Can be used to encourage someone to take action.) • The football team was losing the game, so at halftime the coach reminded them that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. • Jill: I don’t think I can walk all the way to the top of this hill; it’s so steep! Jane: Don’t give up. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs