backed into a corner

USAGE SUMMARY

"backed into a corner" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is forced into a particular situation, feeling trapped or unable to find a way out. For example, "He had been backed into a corner and had nowhere to turn".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the riveting video "Cornered" (1988), the artist herself sits demurely at a desk backed into a corner.

The New York Times - Arts

Increasingly, Qadhi felt backed into a corner.

The New York Times - Magazine

It felt backed into a corner".

The New Yorker

So they feel backed into a corner.

The Economist

Farmers are currently backed into a corner.

The Guardian

We were backed into a corner.

The Guardian - Tech

"He's not backed into a corner like a conventional knuckleballer".

The New York Times - Sports

But I will be backed into a corner".

Independent

But I was backed into a corner ethically".

The New York Times

Now, he says, the agency is "backed into a corner".

The New York Times

I just feel like I've been backed into a corner".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backed into a corner" to vividly describe a situation where someone is forced to take action due to limited options or intense pressure. The phrase works well to convey a sense of desperation or strategic necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "backed into a corner" in a literal, physical sense unless it also carries the intended metaphorical weight. It's primarily used to describe abstract situations, not actual physical positioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backed into a corner" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a predicate adjective that describes the state of a person, group, or entity facing limited options or significant pressure. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing both personal and political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "backed into a corner" effectively communicates a state of being trapped or forced into a difficult situation, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news and media. The phrase is versatile enough for neutral contexts, conveying a sense of limited options and strategic pressure. When writing, remember to use it metaphorically rather than literally to maintain its intended impact. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase is a powerful tool for describing situations requiring decisive action under duress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a tight spot

Changes the spatial metaphor but retains the sense of being in a difficult situation.

in a bind

Emphasizes the restrictive and challenging nature of the situation.

between a rock and a hard place

Highlights the dilemma of choosing between two equally unpleasant options.

up against the wall

Similar spatial metaphor emphasizing the lack of options.

with one's back to the wall

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the defensive posture.

in dire straits

Focuses on the severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

under pressure

Highlights the external forces causing the difficult situation.

in a predicament

More formal and emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation.

at a dead end

Highlights that there is no way out of that situation.

in a fix

Focuses on the need to find a solution to the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "backed into a corner" in a sentence?

You can use "backed into a corner" to describe a situation where someone is forced to make a difficult decision or take a specific action due to limited options. For example, "The company was "backed into a corner" by the new regulations and had to lay off employees."

What does it mean to be "backed into a corner"?

To be "backed into a corner" means to be in a difficult situation with few or no options, often forcing you to take a specific action or make a difficult decision.

What are some alternatives to saying "backed into a corner"?

Alternatives include "in a tight spot", "in a bind", or "between a rock and a hard place", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "backed into a corner" formal or informal?

"Backed into a corner" is generally considered a neutral idiom and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in journalistic or conversational settings than in highly academic writing.