press (one) to the wall

press (one) to the wall

To force one into a desperate position in which one's options are limited and typically require desperate actions. If the government continues pushing its citizens to the wall, it shouldn't b surprised when they rise up to destroy it. Increasing financial pressures are pushing Tom to the wall. I think he needs help.
See also: press, wall
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • push (one) to the wall
  • push to the wall
  • measure
  • (from) top to toe
  • (one's) day in court
  • a full-time job
  • pink-slipped
  • push too far
  • (one's) bearings
  • on (one's) beam-ends