between a rock and a hard place
The phrase "between a rock and a hard place" is often used to describe situations where one must choose between two difficult or undesirable options.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)In a situation where one must choose between two equally difficult or unpleasant options.
Example
- She was between a rock and a hard place, having to choose between her career and her family.
- The company is between a rock and a hard place, needing to cut costs but not wanting to lay off employees.
B2General
(idiomatic)In a predicament with no easy or favorable solution.
Example
- With both options leading to negative outcomes, he found himself between a rock and a hard place.
- The negotiations left them between a rock and a hard place, unable to agree on any terms.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "between a rock and a hard place":
fall between two stoolstight spotunder the gunon the edgein a world of hurtbetwixt and betweenon the ropeson the fence