to have no other option but to...; to have to; to be forced to

He couldn't find the restroom, so he had to ask the shopkeeper for directions.

As I didn't have time to go shopping today, I had to make do with a sandwich for dinner.

I got an invitation to a party tonight that I know would be a lot of fun but I have to be in my best form for tomorrow's meeting so I had to turn it down.

He could do nothing but give up his plan against his will.

Unable to find a spatula, Tom used tongs to flip the pancakes.