have (one's) back to the wall

(redirected from has my back to the wall)

have (one's) back to the wall

To be in a bad or high-pressure situation in which one's choice or ability to act is limited. She really has her back to the wall now that creditors are coming after her for more money than she makes.

See also: back, have, wall

have one's back to the wall

Fig. to be in a defensive position. He'll have to give in. He has his back to the wall. How can I bargain when I've got my back to the wall?

See also: back, have, wall

have your back to the wall

have your back against the wall

COMMON If you have your back to the wall or have your back against the wall, you are in a very difficult situation, which will be hard to deal with. The European Union has its back to the wall and must make a difficult decision. The regime really has its back against the wall. We are seeing the beginnings of a revolution. Note: You can also say when your back is to the wall or with your back to the wall. When their backs are to the wall, women fight as hard as men. With my back to the wall, I agreed to the decision.

See also: back, have, wall

have your ˈback to the wall

be in a difficult situation with no easy solution: Inflation and unemployment have risen this year and the Government has lost a lot of support. The Prime Minister really has his back to the wall now.