Idiom Breakdown

go to the wall

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Definition

To make an all-out effort.

To fail, to run out of options. (especially of a business)

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From a fight or military retreating until they cannot escape; see have one's back to the wall and retreat to the wall doctrine in common law.

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"He'll be the one who goes to the wall when it's needed."
"He's always been willing to go to the wall for his friends."
"That was the one point he was willing to go to the wall on."
"While he was doing his stories, and « getting on » in the world, Tevershall was going to the wall."
"That may be cold comfort for the many import-reliant businesses that have gone to the wall as a result of the rial’s recent plunge of 40% against the dollar [...]"

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