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UKfall between two stools
/fˈɔːl bɪtwˌiːn tˈuː stˈuːlz/
/fˈɔːl bɪtwˌiːn tˈuː stˈuːlz/to fall between two stools
[PHRASE]1
to be in an unsatisfactory situation where one is unable to choose between two courses of action
What is the origin of the idiom "fall between two stools" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "fall between two stools" can be traced back to the medieval times when stools were commonly used as seating. The phrase likely originated from the physical act of attempting to sit on two stools placed apart, which would result in a person losing balance and falling to the ground. It is commonly used in discussions about decision-making, personal choices, and strategies that require a clear direction or commitment.
Examples
1. So I think an example of a bad collaboration would be sort of falling between two stools and not honoring the sort of important qualities of both sides of an interdisciplinary project.
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