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。