An idiom

[gracefemat@yahoo.com.mx]

What is the meaning of:
"When the going gets toufh, the toufh go shopping," ???

Thanks

[Ouisch]

The traditional phrase is "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," meaning that truly determined people step up to and accept the challenge.

"When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping" is a play on that phrase. It indicates that when life gets too serious or difficult for your liking, you can best solve your problems by going to the store and buying some new clothes or accessories for yourself.

[DavyBCN]

The traditional phrase is "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," meaning that truly determined people step up to and accept the challenge.
"When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping" is a play on that phrase. It indicates that when life gets too serious or difficult for your liking, you can best solve your problems by going to the store and buying some new clothes or accessories for yourself.

I have heard quite a few variations on the "go shopping" ending. My favourites are "open another bottle of red wine" and "give up".