Back into a corner Meaning in English
expression
ˈbæk/ /ˈɪntu/, /ɪnˈtu/, /ɪntə/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɔɹnɝ
BAK IN-too uh KOR-ner
bˈæk/ /ˈɪntʊ/ /æɪ/ /kˈɔːnɐ
BAK IN-tuh uh KAW-nuh
Definition
To put someone in a situation where they have no good choices or feel trapped, especially in an argument or difficult situation.
Usage & Nuances
Figurative, informal to neutral. Often used about arguments, negotiations, or life situations. Common collocation: 'feel backed into a corner'. Not literal—implies emotional or strategic pressure, not physical trapping.
Spanish: arrinconar - poner contra la pared (figurado)Portuguese (BR): encurralar - colocar em uma posição difícilPortuguese (PT): encurralar - colocar numa posição difícilChinese (Simplified): 逼入死角 - 逼到绝境Chinese (Traditional): 逼入死角 - 逼到絕境Hindi: कोने में धकेल देनाArabic: دفع إلى الزاوية (مجازًا) - وضع في موقف صعبBengali: কোনো কোণায় পর্যবসিত করা - অসহায় অবস্থায় ফেলাRussian: загнать в уголJapanese: 追い詰める - 追い込むVietnamese: dồn vào chân tườngKorean: 궁지에 몰아넣다Turkish: köşeye sıkıştırmakUrdu: کونے میں دھکیل دیناIndonesian: membuat terpojok - memojokkan
Example Sentences
He felt backed into a corner during the meeting.
basic
Don't back her into a corner with so many questions.
basic
Sometimes life backs you into a corner.
basic
When he was backed into a corner, he finally told the truth.
natural
No one likes feeling backed into a corner at work.
natural
Their tough questions really backed me into a corner.
natural