expression, i-adjective
have one's back to the wall; have nowhere to go; have no way out; have no second chance
Describes a desperate situation with no escape or no further opportunity. Often used when failure is not an option or when a last chance is at stake.
もう後がないので、次の試合は絶対に勝たなければならない。
We have no more chances, so we absolutely must win the next match.
借金が膨らんで、彼は後がない状
With mounting debts, he has his back to the wall.
A more formal, four-character compound meaning 'desperate situation' or 'last extremity', often used in serious or life-threatening contexts.
A verb meaning 'to be cornered' or 'driven into a corner', focusing on the process of being pushed into a tight spot.
Literally 'there is no behind/after'. The word 後 (あと) can mean both physical space behind and future opportunity, so the phrase conveys having no retreat or no next chance.