“Back is to/against the wall” is an idiom that is commonly used in English language. It is often used to describe a situation where a person or a group of people are in a difficult or challenging situation with no way out. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and associations of this idiom.
Definitions
The idiom “back is to/against the wall” means that someone is in a difficult situation with no way out. It is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to make a difficult decision or take drastic action to resolve the situation.
Origin
The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it is believed to have originated from the battlefield. In ancient times, soldiers would often fight with their backs against a wall to prevent the enemy from attacking them from behind. The phrase was later used to describe any situation where someone was in a difficult position with no way out.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “back is to/against the wall” means that someone is in a difficult situation and has no way out. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as a situation where someone is in a difficult position and has no easy way out.
Associations
This idiom is often associated with a feeling of desperation, helplessness, and hopelessness. It is often used in situations where someone is facing a difficult challenge, such as financial difficulties, health problems, or relationship issues.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “back is to/against the wall” include “in a tight spot,” “in a bind,” “up against it,” and “in dire straits.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of this idiom include “in control,” “in a comfortable position,” and “in a favorable situation.”
The same root words
The root words of this idiom are “back” and “wall.” Back refers to the part of the body that is behind the chest and abdomen, while the wall refers to a structure that is used to enclose or separate an area.
Example Sentences
- “I have my back against the wall and I don’t know what to do.”
- “The company is in a difficult position with its back against the wall.”
- “She felt like she had her back to the wall when she lost her job.”
In conclusion, “back is to/against the wall” is an idiom that is used to describe a difficult situation where someone has no way out. It is often associated with feelings of desperation and helplessness. The origin of this idiom is believed to have come from the battlefield. It is important to note that this idiom is not a literal expression, but rather a figurative one used to convey a sense of urgency or desperation.