if it comes to the crunch

if it comes to the crunch

If it becomes critical. Related to "crunch time," which is a critical period of time characterized by a heightened pressure to succeed, usually at or near the end of a given situation or undertaking. If it comes to the crunch, I can ask my dad for the money.
See also: come, crunch, if
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

if/when it comes to the ˈcrunch

(informal) if/when the moment comes when something must be decided or done, or a difficulty can no longer be avoided: She was always threatening to leave him, but when it came to the crunch she didn’t have the courage.
See also: come, crunch, if
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • if/when it comes to the crunch
  • when it comes to the crunch
  • it's crunch time
  • crunch time
  • before the balloon goes up
  • balloon goes up, the
  • a parting shot
  • cut someone some slack
  • cut someone some slack, to
  • lose train of thought