force to the wall

force (one) to the wall

To put one in a position or situation where their options are limited. Every night after school is a battle—I basically have to force the kids to the wall to get them to do their homework. Of course that team won the big game when faced with missing the playoffs—they perform best in situations that force them to the wall. If you expose this scandal and force the CEO to the wall, she will definitely retaliate against you.

See also: force, to, wall

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

force someone to the wall

 and drive someone to the wall

Fig. to push someone to an extreme position; to put someone into an awkward position. He wouldn't tell the truth until we forced him to the wall. They don't pay their bills until you drive them to the wall.

See also: force, to, wall

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