when the going gets rough/tough

when a situation becomes difficult or unpleasant.

I run the farm on my own, but a local boy helps me out when the going gets tough.

• a rule of thumb
• a rum do
• a running battle
• a running battle with
• a running battle with someone
• a running battle with something
• a rush of blood
• a rush of blood to the head
• a sacred cow
• a sad state of affairs
• a safe bet
• a safe pair of hands
• a safety net
• a safety valve
• as a general rule
• as all get-out
• as all get out
• as a matter of course
• as a matter of fact
• as American as apple pie
• hand to on a silver platter
• hand to someone on a plate
• hand to someone on a platter
• hand to someone on a silver platter
• hand-wringing