Example
“With the lawsuit and the frozen account, we had our backs against the wall.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
circle back
CEFR B1to return to a topic or person later, after other things have happened
Informal
drive someone up the wall
CEFR B1to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated
Informal
the writing on the wall
CEFR B1clear and unmistakable signs that failure or disaster is coming
Neutral
break the back of
CEFR B2to get past the main obstacle so that the remaining work becomes easier
Neutral
throw it at the wall and see what sticks
CEFR B2to try many ideas quickly, keeping only the ones that work
Informal
go to the wall
CEFR C1collapse or fail completely, particularly as a business or financial venture
Neutral
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.