worst comes to worst
Absolute rock bottom
Worst comes to worst describes the most unfavorable possible outcome—if the situation deteriorates to its absolute lowest point: Worst comes to worst, we can always sell the house.
The phrase prepares for contingency planning.
Also rendered as *worse comes to worst* or *worst comes to worse*, though logicians prefer the original: if the worst scenario arrives at its worst conclusion.
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- come what mayDespite any consequences
- ruinComplete destruction or collapse
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- fall back onUse as reserve option
hope for the best · disaster · eventuality · tragedy · mishap · last resort · emergency · just in case · rainy day · alternative · at the end of the day · scenario · rock bottom · tough it out · collapse · exit strategy · face the music · bite the bullet
worst comes to worstbest-case scenario
Most favorable potential outcome
ideally · at best · in a perfect world · with any luck · on the bright side