The phrase ‘desperate times call for desperate measures’ suggests that when a situation becomes extremely difficult or dire, it may be necessary to take extreme actions that one would not normally consider. In other words, when faced with urgent challenges, people might resort to tough or unconventional solutions that they would usually avoid.
This saying underscores the idea that in times of crisis, standard approaches may not suffice. For instance, someone might overlook certain rules or ethical standards to resolve a pressing issue. It’s a reminder that context often dictates our decisions, and when stakes are high, we might act in ways we’d typically shun.
For practical understanding, consider a scenario where a company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Normally, the management might refuse to lay off employees to cut costs. However, in a desperate situation, they might resort to drastic measures, like major layoffs or selling crucial assets, to try to save the company. While these measures may appear harsh, the underlying philosophy is that sometimes, extraordinary circumstances warrant extraordinary actions.