The phrase "when the going gets tough" means when things become very difficult or unpleasant to deal with, or when it becomes very hard to keep carrying on. It is often part of the proverb "when the going gets tough, the tough get going," which means when conditions become difficult, people with true resolve, determination, or strength of character take action and find a way to continue pushing forward. In summary:
- "When the going gets tough" refers to facing difficult circumstances.
- The full proverb suggests that strong and determined people work even harder and take action when faced with challenges.
This phrase is commonly used to encourage perseverance and resilience during hard times.