When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Definitions

encourage resilience
Encourage someone to persevere and remain determined in the face of adversity
adapt to challenges
Encourage someone to take action and find a solution when faced with difficult circumstances

Examples of When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Sarah had been working diligently on her startup for months, but she hit a financial roadblock. The bank denied her loan application, and she was running out of money to keep the business afloat. But Sarah was a tough cookie. She gritted her teeth and decided to take matters into her own hands. She spent long hours networking and seeking out potential investors, and eventually, her hard work paid off. She secured the funding she needed to keep the business going.

The expression "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is often used to refer to situations that are challenging or difficult. It implies that individuals who are determined and perseverant will face obstacles head-on and find a way to succeed. In Sarah's case, she displayed this quality by refusing to give up in the face of adversity and instead taking action to overcome the obstacle. Her example serves as a reminder that resilience is a key characteristic of success.
In her demanding new job, Sarah found herself facing a lot of obstacles and challenges that she hadn't anticipated. But she took a deep breath and reminded herself of the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Sarah knew that she had what it took to succeed, and she refused to give up or give in. She worked harder than ever before, putting in long hours and pushing herself to new heights. Her determination and perseverance paid off, and she quickly earned a reputation as one of the most talented and effective members of her team.

This example shows how the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" can be a source of motivation and inspiration in difficult situations. It encourages us to dig deep, stay focused, and not let adversity defeat us. Sarah's story demonstrates the power of resilience and grit, and the rewards that come from refusing to give up.
When Marissa's business hit a rough patch, she could have panicked and thrown in the towel. But instead, she remembered the wisdom of the saying "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." She rallied her team, listened to their ideas, and worked tirelessly to find a solution. Together, they came up with a new strategy that helped the business turn around and begin to thrive again. Marissa's leadership and courage were a shining example of the value of the idiom in action.

This example shows how the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" can empower us to lead and inspire others in challenging situations. It highlights the importance of remaining calm, composed, and committed in the face of adversity, and of being a strong and supportive leader who inspires confidence and trust in others. Marissa's example demonstrates the positive impact that such leadership can have on a team and an organization, and the potential for success that comes from staying positive and persistent in difficult times.
When Chloe's boyfriend broke up with her, she could have given up and retreated into a shell. But instead, she drew strength from the maxim "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." She threw herself into her work, focusing on her career goals and pushing herself to excel. She also leaned on her friends and family for support, talking openly about her feelings and working through her emotions. Chloe's resilience and determination helped her to heal from the breakup and move forward, both professionally and personally.

This example shows how the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" can help us to navigate personal challenges and setbacks. It encourages us to take a proactive approach to our own well-being and growth, focusing on our goals and aspirations and staying committed to our own development. Chloe's story demonstrates the importance of self-care and support in times of distress, and the positive impact that persistence and resilience can have on our personal and professional lives.
When Jack's team faced a tough opponent in the championship game, he could have crumbled under the pressure. But instead, he remembered the old adage "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." He rallied his team, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities. He also stayed focused on his own game, trusting in his own skills and experience. Jack's team went on to win the game, thanks in no small part to his leadership and determination.

This example shows how the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" can be a source of inspiration and motivation in competitive or high-pressure situations. It encourages us to stay focused, disciplined, and committed in pursuit of our goals, and to believe in our own abilities and potential. Jack's story demonstrates the power of resilience and determination in sports and other high-pressure contexts, and the potential for success that comes from staying positive and persistent in the face of adversity.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, the CEO continued to work tirelessly to turn the struggling company around. When the going got tough, she didn't give up; instead, she remained determined and focused, and eventually led the company to success.

This example demonstrates the use of the idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" in a professional context. It highlights the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of adversity, and shows that successful people don't shy away from challenges, but instead rise to them and persevere until they achieve their goals.
The marathon runner hit the wall at mile 20, but instead of slowing down or quitting, she dug deep and pushed herself harder than ever before. When the going got tough, she got tougher, and she crossed the finish line with a personal best time.

This example illustrates the use of the idiom in a sports context. It emphasizes the importance of mental strength and determination in endurance sports, and shows that even when the body is exhausted and the mind wants to give up, true champions find the inner strength to keep going and achieve their full potential.
The small business owner faced financial ruin when the economy took a downturn, but instead of closing up shop and walking away, she came up with creative solutions to keep her business afloat. When the going got tough, she got creative, and she emerged from the crisis stronger and more resilient than ever before.

This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a financial context. It underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of economic challenges, and illustrates how successful entrepreneurs are able to turn adversity into opportunity by thinking creatively and staying focused on their goals.

Conclusion

The idiom "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is used to motivate and inspire someone to face challenges with resilience and determination. It encourages individuals to adapt to difficult situations and take action to overcome obstacles rather than giving up.

Origin of "When the going gets tough, the tough get going"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the United States in the mid-20th century. It was popularized by the American football coach, Knute Rockne, who used a variation of the phrase in a motivational speech to his players. Over time, the idiom became widely used in various contexts to convey the idea that in difficult times, those who are strong and determined will rise to the occasion and take action to overcome obstacles. The idiom has since become a popular and widely recognized phrase used to inspire perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.