Up against the wall
What is the origin of the phrase "first up against the wall, come the revolution"
It is a reference to execution by firing squad, in which the condemned person is stood against a wall and shot.
The phrase is suggesting that 'come the (desired) revolution whoever is being mentioned will be the first to be executed.'
It is not generally to be taken literally.
DFG
I feel a song coming on (and just in time for Mother's Day):
Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother
He was born in Oklahoma
His wife's name is Betty Jo Thelma Liz.
He's not responsible for what he's doing;
His mother made him what he is.And it's up against the wall redneck mother
Mother who has raised her son so well.
He's thirty-four and drinking in them honky-tonks
Just kicking all them hippies' a**es and raising h*ll...
Mothers' Day was weeks ago this side of the Atlantic (I think: I could be in trouble if I have got that wrong.)DFG
Since my children are grown and gone, I do get confused about holidays and seasons. But Mother's Day is May 14 in the United States. I think.
Okay??? Does anyone know where the phrase was first used? French revolution? Trotskyism? is it older than that?