IdiomNature
English
EnglishCaught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: Stuck between two equally bad options.
Example: “Choosing between the promotion abroad and staying near family left him caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Origin: From 1900s Arizona mining disputes, where workers faced ruinous rock above and hard poverty below.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Entre le marteau et l'enclume Literally: Between the hammer and the anvil
More English idioms
- To show your true colors To reveal your real character at last.
- blow off steam To release pent-up anger, energy or stress harmlessly.
- To face the music To confront the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
- To add insult to injury To make a bad situation worse by a further offense.
- To butter someone up To flatter someone to win their favor.
- Russian roulette Any high-risk activity undertaken needlessly, where disaster may strike without warning.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Você tem muita garra You have fierce, relentless determination — you claw your way through any obstacle.
- Ты умница (ty umnitsa) You're bright, clever, and admirable — said warmly of someone who handles things well.
- У тебя золотые руки (u tebya zolotye ruki) You're extraordinarily skilled — able to make or fix anything with your hands.
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