​​Back to the wall/Back against the wall — #grammar #meaning | Effortless_English

​​Back to the wall/Back against the wall — #grammar #meaning

Meaning:

- to be in a difficult situation
- to have the odds against one’s self
- to have no way of being able to get away
- to have no space to escape
- to be caught by someone without having an easy escape route
- to be trapped in a situation

Origin:

The phrase originates from the American military heritage. Since the 1500’s having organized military units is a common phenomenon. To have the “back against the walls” meant that the unit was stranded or caught in a difficult situation where coming back alive was only a dim possibility. They would, in summary, be making their last stand with a choice of fight or flight. But the latter would mean a life of desolation from the society and loved ones so the soldiers chose to fight instead. This also reflected honour and the legacy of the phrase still continues which gives honour to the ones choosing to fight back.

Examples:

1) They have him with his back to the wall and now he has no more options but to pay back the debtors or go to jail for fraud.
2) When armed forces entered the building the militants had their backs to the wall.