have your back against the wall
US /hæv jʊər bæk əˈɡɛnst ðə wɔl/
UK /hæv jʊər bæk əˈɡɛnst ðə wɔl/
1.
to be in a very difficult situation where you have few choices and are forced to do something
:
•
With the deadline approaching and no progress, we really have our backs against the wall.
•
After losing his job and his home, he felt like he had his back against the wall.