Back to the wall


Also, back against the wall. In a hard-pressed situation; also, without any way of escape. For example, In the closing few minutes, our team had its back to the wall but continued to fight gallantly, or The bank has him with his back to the wall; he’ll have to pay up now. This term was used originally for a military force that is making a last stand. [ First half of 1500s ]

Read Also:

  • Backtrack

    to return over the same course or route. to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy. Contemporary Examples “The amount of time you spend at the gym is not enough time to backtrack in your waist training,” she says. Waist Training: Can You Cinch Your Waist Thin? DailyBurn July 17, 2014 Almost immediately […]

  • Back-trail

    to backtrack. Historical Examples An’ I waited there all afternoon till dark, expectin’ mebbe they’d back-trail. The Man of the Forest Zane Grey “But, Jim, I’ll never be able to find the back-trail,” said Joan. The Border Legion Zane Grey After a while the foot-fall again gained upon him, and once more the walk merged […]

  • Back up

    the rear part of the human body, extending from the neck to the lower end of the spine. the part of the body of animals corresponding to the human back. the rear portion of any part of the body: the back of the head. the whole body, with reference to clothing: the clothes on his […]

  • Back vent

    (in plumbing) a vent situated on the sewer side of a trap.

  • Back wages

    noun See back pay Historical Examples He hinted that if he could get his back wages he did not care what became of the boat. The Yazoo Mystery Irving Craddock His clothes, save what were upon him, had descended to his man-servant for back wages. The Voice of the City O. Henry He insists that […]


Disclaimer: Back to the wall definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.