[Vocabulary] push my chips forward

[atabitaraf]

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

I don't really understand the meaning of some of the first statements in this movie prologue. I'll be grateful if you helped.

"I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job. But I don't want to push my chips forward and go out and meet something I don't understand."

The narrator talks about the difficulties of having the job as a sheriff.

 

[SoothingDave]

It's a poker reference. Or gambling in general. If you push your chips forward, then you have "gone all in," you have bet everything. In this case, he means his life.

 

[bhaisahab]

I haven't seen the film, but the book is excellent.