between a rock and a hard place
Meaning
Prepositional phrase
- In a difficult and inescapable position.
- Having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options; in a predicament or quandary.
Related
Similar words
- , between Scylla and Charybdis, be on the horns of a dilemma; between the hammer and the anvil
Origin
- Related to the concept of the Ancient Greeks: "between Scylla and Charybdis." Originated in the United States before 1918 in southwest, possibly in connection with mining.
Modern English dictionary
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