up against the wall

up against the wall

In a difficult or troubling situation in which one's options or ability to act are limited or constrained. I just feel like I'm up against a wall with all these creditors breathing down my neck. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come to us when we're up against a wall.

See also: up, wall

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*up against the wall

Fig. in serious difficulties. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; push someone ~.) Let's face it, we're up against the wall this time. It's when you're up against the wall that your true character shows.

See also: up, wall

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

up against the wall

in an inextricable situation; in great trouble or difficulty.

The image here is of someone facing execution by a firing squad.

See also: up, wall

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

up against it/the wall

In trouble. This slangy Americanism of the late nineteenth century uses “it” in a general way to mean any kind of difficulty. When “the wall” is substituted, it may refer to the practice of lining criminals up against a wall, or, more likely, of having one’s back to the wall. “I saw I was up against it,” wrote George Ade (Artie, 1896).

See also: up, wall

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer