English Explanatory Dictionary

go to the wall

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make an all-out effort.
  2. To fail, to run out of options. (especially of a business)
  3. To be put aside or forgotten.
  4. To take an extreme and determined position or measure.

Pronunciation

en-au-go to the wall.ogg

Word forms

go to the wall goes to the wall going to the wall went to the wall gone to the wall

Etymology

From a fight or military retreating until they cannot escape; see have one's back to the wall and retreat to the wall doctrine in common law.

Related words

have one's back to the wall retreat to the wall balls to the wall go to the mat up against the wall
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