W

[when the chips are down]  {adv. cl.},  {informal}

When the winner and loser of a bet or a game are decided; at the most important or dangerous time.

Tom hit a home run in the last inning of the game when the chips were down.

* /When the chips were  […]

[where]

See:

[TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF] or

[TELL ONE WHERE TO HEAD IN].

[where it's at]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}

That which is important; that which is at the forefront of on-going social, personal, or scientific undertakings.

Young, talented and black, that's where it's at.

* /We send sophisticated machines to Mars  […]

[where the shoe pinches]  {n. phr.},  {informal}

Where or what the discomfort or trouble is.

Johnny thinks the job is easy, but he will find out where the shoe pinches when he tries it.

* /The coach said he wasn't worried about any position except  […]

[wherefore]

See: [WHY AND WHEREFORE].

[whether --- or] or [whether --- or whether]

1.  {coord. conj.}

Used to introduce an indirect question.

You must decide whether you should go or stay.

I don't know whether Jack or Bill is a better player.

Compare: [EITHER --- OR]

2. Used to  […]

[whether one is coming or going]

See: [KNOW IF ONE IS COMING OR GOING].

[which]

See: [GAME AT WHICH TWO CAN PLAY].

[which is which]  {n. phr.}

Which is one person or thing and which is the other; one from another; what the difference is between different ones; what the name of each one is.

Joe's coat and mine are so nearly alike that I can't tell which is which.  […]

[which was which]

See: [WHICH is WHICH].