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- DictionaryBetween a rock and a hard place
- ▪ in a situation where one is faced with two equally difficult alternatives
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Meaning: The phrase “between a rock and a hard place” means that you’re in a tough spot, and the two available options are both bad. To put it another way, it’s being in a dilemma where the only choices you have are unsatisfactory. Example: Maria has found herself between a rock and a hard place because of the large dent in her vehicle.
Fig. in a very difficult position; facing a hard decision. I couldn't make up my mind. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. He had a dilemma on his hands. He was clearly between the devil and the deep blue sea. See also: and, between, hard, place, rock.
between a rock and a hard place or less commonly between the rock and the hard place. : in a difficult or uncomfortable position with no attractive way out. on the rocks. 1. : in or into a state of destruction or wreckage. their marriage is on the rocks. 2. : on ice cubes. bourbon on the rocks.
We use the idiom between a rock and a hard place to describe a situation where you or someone else has to make a very difficult decision between two equally undesirable options or outcomes. In other words, it’s used to convey a dilemma or a predicament where there are no good choices. A good example is my kids.
Between two equally difficult or unacceptable choices. For example, Trying to please both my boss and his supervisor puts me between a rock and a hard place . The rock and hard place version is the newest of these synonymous phrases, dating from the early 1900s, and alludes to being caught or crushed between two rocks.
In Between a Rock and a Hard Place Meaning. Definition: To be stuck between two equally bad decisions or situations. This expression is often used when a person feels as if there are no good options available to him or her. Origin of In Between A Rock and a Hard Place
The only choices I have are poverty or a boring job – I’m between a rock and a hard place. Where did it originate? USA, 20th century. Sometimes mistakenly thought to come from Homer’s Odyssey.
