How to Pronounce "back to the wall"
expression
BAK tuh THUH WAL
BAK tuh THAWL
Definition
To be in a situation where you have few or no options, often forced to defend yourself or act because you are in trouble or facing a serious challenge.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbæk/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔɫ
British English
bˈæk/ /tˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BAK tuh THUH WAL
UK
BAK tuh THAWL
Listen in Context
With his back to the wall, he had no choice but to fight for his job.
The team played with their backs to the wall after losing the first half.
She felt her back to the wall when the bills kept coming.
I’ve really got my back to the wall this month—rent is due and I just lost my job.