Idioms

if worst comes to worst

This page is about the idiom if worst comes to worst

British and Australian English

Meaning

You can say "if worst comes to worst" before saying what you'll do if your plans don't work out.

For example

  • I don't worry too much about my business failing, because if worst comes to worst I can always go back to my old job.

  • Bob says he'll be lucky to find tickets for the match at this stage, but at least it's on TV so if worst comes to worst we can watch it at the pub.

Note:
Note that particularly in American English people often say "If worse comes to worst", with the same meaning.

Variety

This idiom is typically used in British and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

We love travelling, but if worst comes to worst we can still enjoy our holidays

a. on a tour of Europe

b. fixing up the garden

c. visiting countries in Asia
a) on a tour of Europe b) fixing up the garden c) visiting countries in Asia
if worst comes to worst

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey