au pied du mur

French

Etymology

Literally, “at the foot of the wall.” Compare Polish stawiać pod ścianą.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /o pje dy myʁ/

• Audio:

  (file)

Adjective

au pied du mur (invariable)

1. (figuratively) cornered, up against the wall, up against it

   Synonyms: dos au mur, acculé

   être au pied du mur ― (please add an English translation of this usage example)

   mettre quelqu’un au pied du mur ― to put a gun to someone's head

See also

• le couteau sous la gorge