to be at one's wits' end; to be cornered; to be in a fix; to be in a desperate situation; to be in a pinch; to be in a predicament; to be packed to the hilt
お金がなくて切羽詰まった。
I'm in a desperate situation because I have no money.
試験が明日で切羽詰まっている。
The exam is tomorrow and I'm in a pinch.
切羽詰まって友達に助けを求めた。
Being cornered, I asked my friend for help.