Proverbs are short, well-known sayings that express a common truth or piece of advice. They are not a specific literary device themselves, but they can function as allusions or aphorisms within a literary work.
Here's why it's not a specific literary device:
* Allusion: An allusion is a reference to something outside the text, like a historical event, famous person, or another work of literature. While the proverb could be considered an allusion to a common saying, it's not a unique or specific reference.
* Aphorism: An aphorism is a concise and witty statement of a general truth or principle. The proverb could be considered an aphorism, but it's not necessarily a complex or original thought.
The proverb "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" is a powerful and memorable phrase that conveys a message of resilience and determination.