Idioms

backed into a corner

This page is about the idiom backed into a corner

Meaning

If you're backed into a corner, you're in a difficult situation that will be hard to get out of.

For example

  • When his business failed, Gerry felt he'd been backed into a corner and he didn't know what he could do.

  • Jimmy's drug addiction had backed him into a corner and his only way out was to go into rehab and kick the habit.

Quick Quiz

Michael felt he'd been backed into a corner, but he wouldn't give up. He

a. had to find a way out

b. curled up and went to sleep

c. made it more comfortable
a) had to find a way out b) curled up and went to sleep c) made it more comfortable

Learn idioms easily with
Common English Idioms PDF ebook!

Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey