to the wall
go to the wall
drive to the wall
Into a place from which there is no escape; into a trap or corner. Usually used after drive or a similar word.
John's failing the last test drove him to the wall.
The score was 12-12 in the last minute of play, but a touchdown forced the visitors to the wall.
Bill had to sell his five Great Danes. The high cost of feeding them was driving him to the wall.
toll call
A long distance telephone call for which one has to pay.
We had several toll calls on last month's telephone bill.
trial balloon
A hint about a plan of action that is given out to find out what people will say.
John mentioned the class presidency to Bill as a trial balloon to see if Bill might be interested in running.
The editorial was a trial balloon to test the public's reaction to a change in the school day.
turn out all right
Завершиться, закончиться удачно.
At first they thought that their offer would not be accepted but it turned out all right.
Поначалу они думали, что их предложение не будет принято, но всё закончилось благополучно.
until all hours
Until very late at night.
He is so anxious to pass his exams with flying colors that he stays up studying until all hours.
walk over
walk all over
step all over
To make (someone) do whatever you wish; make selfish use of; treat like a slave; impose upon.
Jill is so friendly and helpful that people walk all over her.
We wanted the man's business, so we let him step all over us.
wallflower
A girl who has to sit out dances because nobody is asking her to dance.
"I used to be a wallflower during my high school days," Valerie complained, "but my luck changed for better once I got into college."
walls have ears
Sometimes one's most confidential conversations are overheard.
"Be careful what you say," he whispered. "Remember that walls have ears."