[back to the
wall] or [back against the wall] {adv. phr.} In a trap, with no way to escape; in
bad trouble.
The soldiers had their backs to the wall.
He was in debt and
could not get any help; his back was against the wall.
The team had their
backs to the wall in the second half.
Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP
BLUE SEA, LAST DITCH, ON THE SPOT, UP AGAINST IT.
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