Back against the wall

Meaning

The idiom "back against the wall" means to be cornered or trapped, having no way out or options left. It can also mean being in a difficult situation where one feels threatened or vulnerable.

Usage

• The company was facing such tough competition that they were backed against the wall and struggling to survive.
• I felt like I was backed against the wall, with no way to move forward without losing my job.
• After failing to close the deal, the salesman found himself backed against the wall and feeling defeated.
• The car skidded off the road and came to a stop with its bumper against the tree trunk, leaving the driver backed against the wall.
• The protesters were faced with tear gas from the police, forcing them to retreat and regroup, effectively backing them against the wall.

Roots and History

The idiom "back against the wall" has its roots in a literal situation where someone is cornered or trapped by being backed against a wall or other object. It was first used in English in the 16th century and has since become a common expression to describe a situation of desperation or helplessness. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to include situations that are difficult but not necessarily life-threatening.

Synonyms in English

• Cornered
• Trapped
• Stuck
• Ensnared
• Deadlocked

Synonyms in other languages

• In French, the idiom is "en enfer" which means to be trapped or in hell.
• In Spanish, the idiom is "encerrado" which means to be trapped or imprisoned.
• In Italian, the idiom is "in un angolo" which means to be cornered or trapped.
• In German, the idiom is "im Eck" which means to be backed against a wall or cornered.
• In Arabic, the idiom is "ضعف اللحظة" which means to be weak in the moment or vulnerable.

Similar Idioms

• break new ground

• spine-tingling

• be up on