[Idiom] UP AGAINST THE WALL. - Navigating Through Tough Challenges Effectively
Up against the wall.
In a very difficult situation.
Imagine being 'Up against the wall,' which translates to encountering a situation where options seem limited and pressures are high. This idiom derives from the literal idea of being pinned against a wall, unable to move freely. It’s commonly used in contexts where someone faces significant challenges that require creative problem-solving. For instance, if a business is running out of financial resources and near bankruptcy, they are indeed, up against the wall. This expression emphasizes the urgency and necessity for immediate and effective actions.
Example Sentences
They were up against the wall with the deadline looming.
They were in a difficult situation due to the nearing deadline.
When funds ran low, the team felt up against the wall.
When funds were low, the team felt they were in a challenging situation.
Up against the wall, they had to come up with a quick solution.
Facing tight constraints, they had to come up with a quick solution.