Subscribe To This Site
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Between A Rock And A Hard Place : Phrases
Meaning:
To have no good alternatives.
Example:
He is caught between a rock and a hard place. He can stay in a bad marriage or pay alimony.
Origin:
A reference to Odysseus' dilemma of passing between Scylla and Charybdis (figuratively a rock and a hard place). Scylla was a monster on the cliffs and Charydbis was a dangerous whirlpool. Neither fate was more attractive as both were difficult to overcome.
See our page on Between Scylla and Charybdis.