切羽詰 せっぱつまったそうだ
seppa tsumatta sōda

Godan Verb (ru)
Evidential Auxiliary

Expresses hearsay about a past event ("I heard that...") of 切羽詰まる

1. It is said they were desperate.; It is said they were in a tight spot.; It is said they were cornered.

Past/Perfective
Hearsay Evidence