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Synonyms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

With his back to the wall, he flings himself about the stage like a performer desperate to wring every second of his dwindling time in the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2024

Off the bat, Rodriguez was tracking Tatis’ deep fly ball, going back to the wall and just waiting to make his leap.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

Now she had her back to the wall.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023

The huntress saw Ash then, standing with her back to the wall.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.