Corner
Meaning
To force someone or something into a difficult or inescapable position, often by limiting their options or escape routes.
Origin
The act of 'cornering' someone springs from the most ancient instincts of pursuit and capture. Imagine a primeval hunt: the hunter, perhaps with companions, strategically driving prey into a tight space—a cave, a thicket, or the very edge of a cliff. The animal, literally hemmed into a 'corner,' found itself without recourse, its escape routes cut off. This visceral scene of inescapable entrapment embedded itself in our language. From the physical hunt, the metaphor easily broadened to human endeavors: outmaneuvering an opponent in a debate, trapping a suspect with evidence, or even forcing a business rival into a disadvantageous deal. The essence remains the same: a strategic maneuver that leaves no room to escape.
Examples
- The detective finally managed to corner the suspect in a dead-end alley.
- After months of careful investigation, the journalist was able to corner the corrupt official with undeniable evidence.