PhrasesHub

Back against the wall

    Definitions

      • In a difficult or desperate situation
        To describe a situation where someone is facing a problem or challenge with limited options or resources

      • Forced to act or make a decision
        To convey the idea that someone has no choice but to take action or make a decision, often under pressure or in a tough situation

      • Unsupported or without help
        To indicate that someone is alone or without support in a difficult situation, often implying that they must rely on their own resources to overcome it

    Examples of Back against the wall

    • John's business was struggling, and he was in danger of losing everything. The bank had called in his loans, and he found himself owing more than he could ever hope to repay. Desperate for a solution, John turned to his wealthy cousin for a loan. However, his cousin had his own problems and refused to help. With no other options left, John was forced to declare bankruptcy and sell off all of his assets. Left with nothing but debt, John felt as though he were "back against the wall." He knew that he couldn't go on like this, but he wasn't sure how to dig himself out of his financial hole.

      In this example, "back against the wall" means that John is in a difficult or dire situation with no clear way to escape. The idiom compares this feeling to being in a corner with one's back against a wall, which can make it difficult to make a move or find a solution.

    • The politician was in hot water over a scandal involving campaign funds. His opponents were calling for his resignation, and the media was baying for blood. Feeling the weight of public opinion against him, the politician was left "back against the wall." He knew that he couldn't ignore the issue, but he wasn't sure how to respond without making the situation worse.

      In this example, "back against the wall" represents being in a complicated or difficult situation that is difficult to escape or resolve. The idiom illustrates the idea that being backed into a corner can make it challenging to make a move or find a solution, as there may be no clear path forward.

    • Tom's wife had left him, and he was struggling to cope. His kids were grown and flown the nest, leaving him alone in a large house that felt empty and hollow. With no one to talk to and no one to turn to, Tom felt as though he were "back against the wall." He tried to throw himself into work, but the stress and loneliness were starting to take a toll on his health.

      In this example, "back against the wall" conveys a sense of being isolated and alone, with no clear path forward. The idiom helps illustrate the idea that being backed into a corner can create a feeling of being overwhelmed, as there may be no clear solutions or options available.

    • Susan had been passed over for a promotion at work, and she was determined to prove herself. However, her boss seemed to have his own agenda, and Susan found herself "back against the wall." She tried to argue her case, but her boss remained stubbornly unmoved. Feeling frustrated and unsupported, Susan wondered if she should start looking for a new job.

      In this example, "back against the wall" represents being in a challenging or difficult position at work, where it may be difficult to find a solution or move forward. The idiom can help illustrate the idea that being backed into a corner can create a sense of frustration and uncertainty, as there may be no clear path forward or options available.

    • The small business owner struggled to keep her company afloat during the economic downturn, but after a series of costly mistakes and missed opportunities, she found herself back against the wall with no other options left but to declare bankruptcy.

      When a person is backed against the wall, they are faced with an extremely difficult or seemingly insurmountable situation with no apparent way out. Here, the business owner has exhausted all possible avenues for saving her company and now has no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

    • The accused criminal was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, leaving her with no hope for parole or pardon. She was truly backed against the wall with no chance for redemption.

      Being backed against the wall can also be a hopeless situation where there is no way out or possibility of release, as is the case with this criminal. She is completely trapped and without any options for escape or freedom.

    • The sales team faced a daunting challenge when their biggest client suddenly withdrew their business, leaving the company with a major financial shortfall. Despite their efforts to find a solution, they found themselves backed against the wall and unsure how to move forward.

      Being backed against the wall can also refer to a challenging or critical moment, where a person or group is faced with an unexpected or unanticipated problem that requires quick thinking and decisive action. Here, the sales team is faced with a critical financial shortfall due to the sudden withdrawal of their biggest client, and they must find a way to move forward despite this setback.

    • The athlete faced her toughest opponent yet in the championship game, and as the seconds ticked down, it seemed as though she was truly backed against the wall with no chance for victory. But she dug deep, drawing upon all of her skills and resources, and ultimately emerged triumphant in a miraculous comeback.

      Being backed against the wall can also refer to a difficult or challenging situation, whether it be physical, emotional, or intellectual, where a person is faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Here, the athlete is up against her toughest opponent yet and seems destined for defeat. However, through sheer grit and determination, she manages to pull off a stunning victory in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "back against the wall" is commonly used to convey a sense of being in a difficult or desperate situation, where one is facing a problem or challenge with limited options or resources. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is forced to act or make a decision, often under pressure or in a tough situation. Additionally, it can imply that someone is unsupported or without help in a difficult situation, and must rely on their own resources to overcome it.

    Origin of "Back against the wall"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the physical positioning of someone with their back against a wall, which leaves them with limited options for escape or movement. This can be seen as a metaphor for being in a difficult or desperate situation, where one may feel trapped or cornered. The idiom itself has been in use since at least the 16th century, and has been used in various forms and variations over time.

    One possible origin of the idiom comes from medieval times, where soldiers would be placed with their backs against a wall during a battle, leaving them with no option but to fight or surrender. Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the game of chess, where a player's king being in a corner with limited moves is known as being in checkmate. Over time, the idiom has evolved to be used in a variety of contexts, often to describe a challenging or difficult situation where one must make tough decisions or rely on their own resources.