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How to Pronounce "have your back to the wall"

expression

HAV yor, yoor BAK too, tuh, ti THE, thuh, thee WAL
hav yor BAK too THE, thee WAL

Definition

To be in a very difficult situation with few or no options left; to be forced to defend yourself or take action because you have no other choice.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈhæv/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔɫ

British English

hæv/ /jˈɔː/ /bˈæk/ /tˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːl

Simplified Pronunciation

US

HAV yor, yoor BAK too, tuh, ti THE, thuh, thee WAL

UK

hav yor BAK too THE, thee WAL

Listen in Context

When you have your back to the wall, you must fight hard to succeed.

I had my back to the wall when I lost my job.

If you ever have your back to the wall, ask for help.

The team had their backs to the wall in the final minutes, but they didn't give up.