Etymology Journal · B

Back against the wall

Meaning

A situation where one has no room to move or no easy escape. It implies a moment of crisis where the only option is to stand and fight.

Serious, intense

With his back against the wall, he had to tell the truth about the missing money.
We have our backs against the wall with this tight budget.
He was cornered and had his back against the wall after the audit.

This is a military metaphor. When soldiers were backed against a wall, they could no longer retreat and had to defend their position at all costs.

Nationwide

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