And they have their backs against the wall. They may be on the verge of extinction.

We have our backs against the wall.

We've got to get it together, as we have our backs against the wall.

It's definitely crushing. We have our backs against the wall now.

They really bond well together. They had their backs up against the wall, and they did real well. I am proud to be their coach.

Humans regard animals as worthy of protection only when they are on the verge of extinction.