사면초가가 · 사면초가를
being surrounded by enemies on all sides, a hopeless situation
Example
그 회사는 경영 위기로 사면초가에 빠졌습니다.
The company is cornered on all sides by its management crisis.
Word parts
사 four+면 side+초 Chu (state)+가 song
From a Chinese legend: a trapped general heard his homeland's songs from enemies on every side.
Related words