more idioms using “wall”

Run into a brick wall

Face an insurmountable obstacle

“We’ve run into a brick wall; our current product doesn’t meet the new government requirements and we can’t afford to upgrade it.”

Nail someone to the wall

To punish someone

“When they find the thief, I hope they nail him to the wall.”

The writing is on the wall

It has become clear that the situation will not work out

“The writing is on the wall; we won’t get the funding for the art exhibit, so let’s move on to the next project.”

Climb the walls

To be frustrated, nervous, or bored

“The blizzard is so bad that we can’t leave the building. We are all about to climb the walls.”

Walls have ears

A warning given to someone that others may be listening

“Perhaps we should save this discussion for later. Sometimes the walls have ears.”