Have your back to the wall

usgb
phrase

To be in a difficult situation with very limited choices.

With his declining health and mounting medical bills, he felt like he had his back to the wall.
Visual representation of "have your back to the wall" - To be in a difficult situation with very limited choices

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "have your back to the wall"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desperation Implied

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

Illustration for Desperation Implied
With creditors closing in, she had her back to the wall and had to sell her house.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urgency

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

Illustration for Urgency
As time ran out, the team had their backs to the wall and played more aggressively.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotionally Charged

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

Illustration for Emotionally Charged
After losing his job, he had his back to the wall, scrambling to support his family.
Visual representation of the word "Have your back to the wall"

Never forget "Have your back to the wall"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top