have 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