What does the expression go to the wall mean?

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go to the wall ​Definitions and Synonyms

phraseBritishinformal

DEFINITIONS1

  1. 1

    to fail, especially when this involves losing all your business and money

    No-one was surprised when the company finally went to the wall.

    Synonyms and related words

    To fail, or to stop being successful

    fail

    founder

    languish

    ...

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    Synonyms and related words

    Closing a business and ceasing to operate a business

    close

    shut down

    wind up

    ...

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Definition and synonyms of go to the wall from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education.

This is the British English definition of go to the wall.View American English definition of go to the wall.

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See also main entry: wallSee also main entry: wall

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What is the meaning of go to the wall?

idiom. to be destroyed or fail: After nine months of massive losses the company finally went to the wall.

Where does the phrase go to the wall come from?

Etymology. 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.

What does it mean for a business to go to the wall?

phrase. If a person or company goes to the wall, they lose all their money and their business fails. [informal]

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