with one's back to the wall 处境艰难

【讲解】

该习语从字面上理解就是“背靠在墙上”。wall在该习语中实际上喻指“某人已经没有了退路”。该习语往往用来形容某人处境艰难。

【对话】

A:It's too bad, I'm with my back to the wall.

A:太糟了，我真是四面楚歌了。

B:What's wrong with you?

B:怎么了？

A:I failed the exam again, and I can't graduate this term.

A:我考试又没及格，这学期毕不了业了。

B:Don't lose heart. Believe me, things will look up.

B:别灰心，相信我，事情会好起来的。