<P> The phrase is an example of antimetabole . </P> <P> Another interpretation could mean, "Those who act tough and proud will vacate a situation when it becomes difficult lest they be proven not as tough as they appear to be ." </P> <P> The origin of the phrase has been attributed both to Joseph P. Kennedy (1888--1969), father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and sometimes to Norwegian - born American football player and coach Knute Rockne (1888--1931). Currently it is used as a management motivational talk and is popular in many self - help books . </P>

Expansion of ideas when the going gets tough the tough gets going