show-down

show-down n.

1904, from poker players’ slang term for the act of laying down the hands face-up (1892); see show (v.) + down (adv).

Examples from the Web for show-down Historical Examples of show-down

But then, when it came to a show-down she might not be so magnanimous as she had appeared tonight.

Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius

It was a show-down and, bulldog fighter though he was, Jasper Swope weakened.

Dane Coolidge

I think we’ll be able to count on him later, when it comes to the show-down.

Robert Ames Bennet

He knows that matters must soon come to a show-down with the bunch.

Robert Ames Bennet

Look here, Tom, we might as well have a show-down right now.

Ralph Henry Barbour