to the wall meaning

• [American slang]
  adv. phr. Into a place from which there is no escape; into a trap or corner. Usually used after "drive" or a similar word. John's failing the last test drove him to the wall. The score was 12-12 in the last minute of play, but a touchdown forced the visitors to the wall. Bill had to sell his five Great Danes. The high cost of feeding them was driving him to the wall.
  

• the wall:    The right of takin ...
• wall:    Noun: wall &n ...
• wall in:    Verb: wall inEnclo ...

Examples

1. the bookshelf is fastened to the wall.
2. the odor of souls is a brace to the walls.
3. he was driven [pushed] to the wall.
4. he turned his back to the wall.
5. old grannis had drawn his chair close to the wall.