back to the wall

Idioms  

1. Also, back against the wall. In a hard-pressed situation; also, without any way of escape. For example, In the closing few minutes, our team had its back to the wall but continued to fight gallantly, or The bank has him with his back to the wall; he'll have to pay up now. This term was used originally for a military force that is making a last stand. [First half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

back to the wall

In the midst of the Diamondbacks’ two-run fifth, All-Star center fielder Andy Pages tracked a long fly back to the wall but missed the catch as the ball bounced off his glove.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

"I very much had my back to the wall," he said.

From BBC ● Nov. 25, 2025

Now she had her back to the wall.

From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2023

His back to the wall, Giroud did what he’s always done: prove any doubters wrong.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 20, 2022

I try to cry out, my back to the wall.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Related Words

• despondent
• forlorn
• futile
• sad
• vain