Cornered

The term 'cornered' refers to being placed in a position from which escape is difficult or impossible. It often describes individuals or entities that are in a vulnerable situation, either physically, emotionally, or metaphorically, where they face limited options and heightened pressure. This state may provoke defensive reactions or strategic responses.

Cornered meaning with examples

• After hours of interrogation, the suspect felt cornered and started to reveal secrets he had previously concealed, fearing for his safety. The pressure built as the detectives presented undeniable evidence against him, leading to an unexpected confession in the hope of leniency.
• The small business owner felt cornered when the big corporation threatened to move into her neighborhood, driving her to innovate or risk losing customers. She realized that without adapting her marketing strategies, she would face insurmountable competition that could lead to her enterprise's demise.
• During the heated debate, the politician felt cornered by tough questions from the audience. Lacking solid responses, he struggled to maintain his composure, knowing that his credibility hinged on how convincingly he could navigate the challenging inquiries without backing himself into a rhetorical corner.
• As the team's project deadline loomed, the manager felt cornered by his superiors' demands for progress reports. With limited resources and a lack of clarity in direction, he had to come up with a strategic plan to negotiate more time without jeopardizing his team's morale.
• When the ice broke beneath him while ice fishing, he realized he was cornered, unable to find a safe route back to shore. Panic set in as he weighed his options, calculating the risks of attempting to swim while struggling against the freezing water surrounding him.