back to the wall

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

He quickly peels the banana and nonchalantly eats it while the camera rolls, before taping the peel back to the wall.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 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

Bigger still stood with his back to the wall, watching and trying to value every move in relation to himself and his chances of getting the money.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright