back to the wall

[back to the wall] or [back against the wall] {adv. phr.}

In a trap, with no way to escape; in bad trouble.

* /The soldiers had their backs to the wall./

* /He was in debt and could not get any help; his back was against the wall./

* /The team had their backs to the wall in the second half./

Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, LAST DITCH, ON THE SPOT, UP AGAINST IT.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	wall [wall] See: BACK TO THE WALL, BEAT ONE'S HEAD AGAINST A WALL, CLIMB THE WALL, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms to the wall [to the wall] {adv. phr.} Into a place from which there is no escape; into ... A Dictionary of American Idioms drive to the wall [drive to the wall] {v. phr.} To defeat someone completely; to ruin someone. * /Poor ... A Dictionary of American Idioms handwriting on the wall [handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.} A sign that something bad will happen. * /When ... A Dictionary of American Idioms stone wall [stone wall] or [brick wall] {adj.} Something hard to overcome; an idea or belief that ... A Dictionary of American Idioms hole-in-the-wall [hole-in-the-wall] {n. phr.} A small place to live, stay in, or work in; a small, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms off the wall [off the wall] {adj. phr.} Strange; out of the ordinary; stupid. * /He has been ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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