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Definitions

back to the wall

ADJECTIVE
desperate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
despondent forlorn futile sad vain
STRONG
downcast goner
WEAK
at end of one's rope can't win dead duck despairing desponding gone hard up in the soup in the toilet inconsolable irrecoverable irremediable irretrievable no chance no-win running out of time sunk up against it up the creek useless wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful happy hopeful joyful
WEAK
calm confident content contented satisfactory satisfied secure unworried

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I'll be looking 'where's the fire escape', 'where's my nearest exit?' Like sitting with my back to the wall so I can see everything at all times."

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024

And then, lo and behold, a week later, he goes back to the wall and robs a Grand Slam.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2023

Now she had her back to the wall.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023

“Once I saw him running back to the wall, I was thinking in my head, ‘Oh, please just don’t catch it, just don’t catch it.’”

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2022

Hastily I jumped down from the cot and shoved it back to the wall.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom