Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to have your back to the wall
idiom
/tə hæv jʊr bæk tʊ ðə wɔːl/
Definition
To be in a difficult situation with no way to escape or avoid a problem.
Examples
- When the project deadline was moved up, I felt like I had my back to the wall.
- In a heated debate, he realized he had his back to the wall with no more arguments to defend his position.
Meaning
The phrase suggests a scenario where someone is cornered or forced to confront a challenge, leaving them with limited options.
Synonyms
- in a tight spot
- pushed into a corner
- under pressure
