push (one) to the wall
To force one into a desperate position in which one's options are limited and typically require desperate actions. If the government continues pushing its citizens to the wall, it shouldn't be surprised when they rise up to destroy it. Increasing financial pressures are pushing Tom to the wall. I think he needs help.
push someone to the wall
and press someone to the wallto force someone into a position where there is only one choice to make; to put someone in a defensive position. There was little else I could do. They pushed me to the wall.