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When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Meaning: Strong people don't give up when faced with challenges.

Origin: Attributed to Joseph P. Kennedy in the early 20th century.

Translations

  • French: Quand ça devient difficile, les durs se mettent en route (literally: When it gets difficult, the tough get going)
  • Spanish: Cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles, los duros se ponen en marcha (literally: When things get tough, the tough get going)
  • Japanese: 困難な時こそ強い者が立ち上がる (Konnan na toki koso tsuyoi mono ga tachiagaru) (literally: In difficult times, the strong rise up)

More proverbs about Challenge

  • When life gives you lemons, make lemonade — Make the best of a bad situation.
  • Necessity is the mother of invention — Difficult situations inspire creative solutions.
  • Fortune favors the bold — Taking risks often leads to rewards.
  • Strike while the iron is hot — Act quickly when the opportunity presents itself.
  • If you can't beat them, join them — If you can't win against something, align with it.
  • You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs — Progress requires sacrifice.

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