Lose a conflict, be defeated; also, yield. For example, In spite of their efforts, they went to the wall , or When it's a matter of family versus friends, friends must go to the wall . [Late 1500s]

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Fail in business, go bankrupt. For example, First one branch and then another did poorly, and the store finally went to the wall . [First half of 1800s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351aee","ordinal":3,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Take an extreme position, hold out to the end. For example, The President went to the wall to defend his choice to head the FBI . For a synonym, see go to the mat .

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go to the wall

Example Sentences

Related Words