Have your back to the wall

Pro Tip 1/3

Desperation Implied

Indicates a sense of desperate situations, often with a feeling of last resort or no escape.

With creditors closing in, she had her back to the wall and had to sell her house.

Pro Tip 2/3

Urgency

Suggests that there's an urgent need to act due to the limited options available.

As time ran out, the team had their backs to the wall and played more aggressively.

Pro Tip 3/3

Emotionally Charged

Conveys strong emotional distress or a high-stress situation that one is experiencing.

After losing his job, he had his back to the wall, scrambling to support his family.