What is the origin of the idiom "one's back against the wall" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "one's back against the wall" is not definitively documented, but it is a phrase that likely draws from a literal scenario where someone is physically cornered or trapped with their back against a wall, which is a vulnerable and constrained position. Over time, this concept has been figuratively applied to describe situations in which people face extreme pressure, adversity, or limited options.