Translation guide
Expresses the idea that when a situation becomes critical or action is unavoidable, the true outcome or behavior will be revealed. Japanese uses conditional structures and set phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
To say that when things get serious or a decision must be made, something will happen or someone will act in a certain way.
A common phrase meaning 'when it comes to the crunch' or 'when the time comes'. It implies that when a situation becomes real or urgent, things may be different from usual.
He can be relied on when push comes to shove.
When push came to shove, nobody helped me.
Literally 'the time when you say いざ', meaning an emergency or critical moment. Often used with に or には.
I'm saving money for when push comes to shove.
Means 'at the crucial moment' or 'when it counts'. Emphasizes a decisive moment where one must act.
He shows his strength when push comes to shove.
Literally 'at the last moment/ditch'. Conveys the idea of a situation becoming unavoidable or desperate.
When push came to shove, he ran away.
To express that something will be done only if the situation forces it.
Both are very common and often interchangeable. いざとなると is a conjunction-like phrase meaning 'when it actually happens', while いざという時 is a noun phrase meaning 'emergency/critical time' and often takes particles like に or には.
I get nervous when push comes to shove.
Prepare for when push comes to shove.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent of 'when push comes to shove'. Translating it word-for-word will result in unnatural Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on context.
He'll help me when push comes to shove.