on the horns of a dilemma

/ɒnðə hˈɔːnz əvə daɪlˈɛmə/

/ɑːnðə hˈɔːɹnz əvə dᵻlˈɛmə/

[phrase]

[PHRASE]

‌in a situation that forces one to choose between two alternatives that both have equally undesirable outcomes

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "on the horns of a dilemma" originates from the myth of Hercules and the Cretan Bull, depicting a situation where one is faced with two equally difficult choices. It is used to describe circumstances where there is no straightforward solution, and each option presents significant challenges or drawbacks. This idiom finds relevance in various contexts, such as ethical dilemmas, complex decision-making processes, or situations where individuals feel trapped between conflicting alternatives. It is used to emphasize the challenging nature of the decision and the absence of a clear or easy resolution.

Examples

1. I'm on the horns of a dilemma.

2. I'm on the horns of a dilemma here.

3. So Sidney Powell finds herself on the horns of a dilemma here.

4. And yet every single day in class I would find myself on the horns of a dilemma or you know, I wouldn't understand the arguments that were being made.