between a rock and a hard place

/bɪtwˌiːn ɐ ɹˈɒk and ɐ hˈɑːd plˈeɪs/

/bɪtwˌiːn ɐ ɹˈɑːk ænd ɐ hˈɑːɹd plˈeɪs/

[phrase]

[PHRASE]

in a situation where one has difficulty choosing between two alternatives because both are equally undesirable

What is the origin of the idiom "between a rock and a hard place" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "between a rock and a hard place" can be traced back to Greek mythology. In the story of Odysseus, he and his crew found themselves in a perilous situation between Scylla, a six-headed sea monster, and Charybdis, a massive whirlpool. Odysseus had to navigate their ship through this treacherous passage, choosing between the two dangerous options. It is often used when discussing dilemmas, predicaments, or tough choices that offer no easy solutions.

Examples

1. What we're learning now is that we're caught between a rock and a hard place.

2. So parents are caught between a rock and a hard place.

3. You were really between a rock and a hard place when you had to choose between your career and your relationship.

4. Caught between a rock and a hard place, as soon as Pompey landed with his troops at Pelessium, Ptolemy XIII had Pompey ambushed and killed.