[Idiom] BACK AGAINST THE WALL. - Navigating Crisis in English: Effective Idiomatic Expressions
Back against the wall.
in a desperate situation
When someone is 'with their back against the wall,' they are in a situation where there are no easy options left. Visually, it evokes an image of being cornered or having no way to retreat — confrontation is the only choice. This idiom typically describes high-stakes scenarios in various contexts, from business crises where companies must make tough decisions, to personal moments of truth where individuals face critical challenges. It highlights the resilience and urgency one must summon to navigate life’s toughest battles. Using this expression can help articulate moments of significant adversity in an impactful way.
Example Sentences
With no other options, he felt his back against the wall.
With no other choices, he felt trapped.
Her back was against the wall due to mounting debts.
She felt trapped due to increasing debts.
When the team's back was against the wall, they fought harder.
When they had no other options, the team fought harder.