between a rock and a hard place

B

between a rock and a hard place

Meaning:

• having two very bad choices
• in a very difficult situation
• facing a hard decision
• having two equally unpleasant or unacceptable options

Example:

1. I hate my job but cannot quit owing to my economic condition. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place
2. I can’t make up my mind whose side I am on; I’m caught between a rock and a hard place
3. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. If he accepted the offer, he would have to work long hours with low pay, if he didn’t, he would lose his livelihood.
4. Our company was caught between a rock and a hard place. If we made the deal, we would make a monetary loss and if we didn’t, we would lose our reputation.
5. They are both my brothers! I can’t go against either of them. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Origin:
This phrase originated in USA in the early 1900s. Several other phrases having the same meaning also exist in many cultures. This phrase was used during an economic crisis when mining workers faced low wages working at the rock face on one hand and unemployment and poverty on the other if the refused to work.

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.