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Region: US | Usage example: We were between a rock and a hard place after the budget cuts.

Between a rock and a hard place

Meaning

Stuck between two negative options.

Usage

Describes difficult decisions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Geological metaphor for tight spaces.

Recorded in early 20th-century American newspapers.

Related Idioms

Play hard to get

Actly aloof or disinterested to appear more attractive.

A hard row to hoe

A task that will take a lot of effort, usually because conditions are challenging.

It's raining harder than a cow wetting on a flat rock

It is pouring rain.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.