worst comes to worst

• worse comes to worse, worse comes to worst

Shortening of "if the worst come to the worst".[1]

worst comes to worst (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) If a possible worst-case scenario actually occurs.
   • H. G. Wells - The War of the Worlds

     "A shell in the pit" said I, "if the worst comes to the worst will kill them all."

2. (idiomatic) If an already bad situation progresses into a catastrophic situation.

   Worst comes to worst, these stock certificates will make fine wallpaper.

• push comes to shove