when the chips are down

Phrase

idiomatic

(idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical

Japanese Meaning

苦境にある時 / 窮地に陥っている時 / プレッシャーや危機がある状況

I know I can count on my team when the chips are down.

私は窮地に立ったときにはチームに頼れると分かっている。

Sense（1）

(idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical

He wasn't a very talented musician but, when the chips were down, he played well.