have your 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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have your back to the wall

or

have your back against the wall

COMMON If you have your back to the wall or have your back against the wall, you are in a very difficult situation, which will be hard to deal with. The European Union has its back to the wall and must make a difficult decision. The regime really has its back against the wall. We are seeing the beginnings of a revolution. Note: You can also say when your back is to the wall or with your back to the wall. When their backs are to the wall, women fight as hard as men. With my back to the wall, I agreed to the decision.
See also: back, have, wall
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

have your ˈback to the wall

be in a difficult situation with no easy solution: Inflation and unemployment have risen this year and the Government has lost a lot of support. The Prime Minister really has his back to the wall now.
See also: back, have, wall
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • have (one's) back to the wall
  • have back to the wall
  • with (one's) back to the wall
  • with your back to the wall
  • back to the wall
  • in a box
  • ace it
  • aced
  • back home
  • at (one's) doorstep