Definition & Meaning of "go to the wall"in English

to go to the wall

PHRASE

to suffer ruin, failure, or defeat, due to financial difficulties, and without the possibility of recovery or rescue

Dialect

British

to [go] to the wall definition and meaning

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "go to the wall" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go to the wall" is not entirely clear, but it has been in use since the 17th century. This idiom is used to describe someone or something that is facing imminent failure, ruin, or destruction, often due to challenging circumstances or overwhelming opposition.

Examples

Many small businesses went to the wall during the recession.

to do everything that one is capable of in order to do or achieve something

Dialect

American

Examples

She went to the wall to protect her family.