How to Pronounce "up against the wall"
expression
UHP uh-GAYNST thuh WAL
UP uh-GENST thuh WAWL
Definition
If you are "up against the wall," you are in a very difficult situation with limited options, often feeling trapped or desperate.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈəp/ /əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔɫ
British English
ˈʌp/ /ɐɡˈɛnst/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
UHP uh-GAYNST thuh WAL
UK
UP uh-GENST thuh WAWL
Listen in Context
After losing his job, he felt up against the wall.
The team was up against the wall with only five minutes left in the game.
She found herself up against the wall when all her plans failed.
We're really up against the wall trying to finish this project on time.