How would you describe the meaning of the term "When push comes to shove" ?

Question

I know what it means but I cannot put it into words-- This is because I was thinking about how there were some figures of speech that I don't like in formal conversation (like interviews) and then I was thinking about how someone who had English as a second language might not understand.
How would you put it into words without using figure of speech?

Answer 1

THE BEST i CAN ANSWER IS WHEN SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, KEEPS PRODDING YOU INTO SOMETHING OR SOME SITUATION. FINALLY, AFTER RESESTING. YOU FINALLY GIVE IN AND DO WHAT THE FORCE TELL YOU TO DO.

Answer 2

It is analagous to a situation where communication of someone's desire for others to yield by moving aside, changes from simply, silently and impersonally, conveyed by pushing others aside, to becoming rudely conveyed by shoving, which expresses insistence and impatience. This escalation of impolite physical contact is looked upon as uncultured, selfish and unnecessary.

The analogy takes the escalation of rudeness into realms that may not have anything to do with applying force to strangers' bodies.

Answer 3

When all that could be done has been done, often someone who has been working just as hard has a bit more to add.

(I guess I have that right. All at once I forget the meaning of the term myself!)

Answer 4

if you say that something can be done if push comes to shove, you mean that it can be done if the situation becomes so bad that you have to do it. Look, if push comes to shove we'll just have to sell the car.....look it up. It took me 2 seconds to find this.

Answer 5

To me, "when push comes to shove" means "as a last resort," or "I won't do something until I absolutely have to."

Answer 6

I don't know, but isn't that from the song Rose - A Perfect Circle? God, I love that song!!!!!!! Are you a Maynard fan?