when the chips are down

[Mnemon]

Speaking of which, be sure to thrive on adulation. Your raging narcissism will help you and your minions get through the tough times. I mean, what else are they going to do—find another leader? That’s absurd, and make sure to remind everyone of this fact when the chips are down. You are Big Dog, and it’s your team’s job to keep you in power. Why else would you have ensured that your deputies are sufficiently talentless to avoid being viable alternatives?

Boris Johnson's 7 anti-leadership lessons

The outgoing British prime minister has provided years of instruction on how to lead very, very badly.

fortune.com

Hello.
Could the phrase "when it comes to the crunches" be used instead of the part in bold without much change in meaning?

 

[SoothingDave]

No