up against it

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

up against it

1. (idiomatic) In a very difficult position.

   Synonym: up against the wall

   • 1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World […], London, New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC:

     "But we are up against it, so what's the decision?" "It seems a most questionable step," said Summerlee, argumentative to the last, "but if you are all going, I hardly see how I can remain behind." "Then it is settled," said Lord John, and turning to the chief he nodded and slapped his rifle.

   • 2015 June 9, “Women’s World Cup 2015: England beaten by France in Group F opener”, in The Guardian (London)‎^[1]:

     Yet as intelligently as Rafferty, back at left-back following her recovery from a third ruptured cruciate ligament, was defending against the dangerous Élodie Thomis her side were up against it.