caught between a rock and a hard place
Facing two equally difficult choices
字面意思: Being squeezed between a large stone and a solid surface.
Use this when you have two bad options and no easy way out of a dilemma.
15秒了解
- Stuck between two equally unpleasant or difficult choices.
- A dilemma where every possible move leads to a problem.
- Used to express feeling trapped by stressful circumstances.
意思
Imagine you have two choices, but both of them lead to a bad result. You feel stuck because no matter what you decide, you're going to face a problem.
关键例句
3 / 6Choosing between work and family
If I go to the meeting, I miss my son's play, but if I skip it, I might lose the promotion; I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.
I have two bad choices and don't know what to do.
A difficult business decision
We can either cut salaries or lay off staff; we're really between a rock and a hard place here.
We are facing two very difficult professional options.
Texting a friend about a double-booking
Sarah and Mike both want me at their weddings on the same day. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place!
I'm stuck with a social dilemma.
文化背景
While the sentiment is ancient, the specific wording surfaced in the American West during the early 20th century. It is often associated with the tough decisions faced by miners or workers during economic depressions. It captures the gritty, resilient spirit of someone trying to survive a no-win situation.
The 'Between' Rule
You can say 'caught between' or just 'between'. Both are correct, but 'caught' adds a bit more drama and feeling of being trapped!
Don't Mix Your Rocks
Avoid saying 'between a rock and a stone' or 'a hard rock and a place'. Native speakers will know what you mean, but it will sound a bit 'off'.
15秒了解
- Stuck between two equally unpleasant or difficult choices.
- A dilemma where every possible move leads to a problem.
- Used to express feeling trapped by stressful circumstances.
What It Means
This phrase describes a classic dilemma. You are trapped. On one side, there is a rock. On the other, a hard place. If you move left, you get hurt. If you move right, you get hurt. It is about having zero good options. You feel the pressure of the situation physically. It is not just a small problem. It is a stressful, high-stakes choice.
How To Use It
Use it when you feel squeezed by circumstances. You can say, "I'm caught between a rock and a hard place." It usually follows a description of two bad paths. Use it to explain why you are hesitating. It shows you are thinking carefully. It also asks for sympathy from the listener. They will understand your stress immediately.
When To Use It
Use it at work when budgets are tight. Use it with friends when two people invite you to different parties. It works well in high-pressure meetings. It is great for texting a partner about a difficult family situation. If your boss wants a report early, but your computer is broken, you are there. It fits any moment where you feel "stuck."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for easy choices. Don't use it if you like both options. If you are choosing between chocolate and vanilla, that is not a hard place. Avoid it in very tragic situations, like a funeral. It might sound too casual or like a cliché there. Also, do not use it if there is a clear third, better option. Use it only when the exit is blocked.
Cultural Background
Some believe this comes from ancient Greek mythology. Think of Odysseus passing between two monsters, Scylla and Charybdis. However, the modern English version became popular in the US in the early 1900s. It likely started in the mining or labor industries. It reflects a very Western idea of individual choice and struggle. It is a staple of American blues songs and old movies.
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say "between a rock and a hard place." You might hear "caught between the devil and the deep blue sea." That one is more poetic and nautical. In the UK, people might say "between a pillar and a post." All of them mean the same thing: you are in big trouble! Just remember to keep the rock first. Nobody says "between a hard place and a rock."
使用说明
This idiom is very versatile and fits almost any register except the most extremely formal legal documents. It is a 'safe' idiom for learners to use because it is rarely misunderstood.
The 'Between' Rule
You can say 'caught between' or just 'between'. Both are correct, but 'caught' adds a bit more drama and feeling of being trapped!
Don't Mix Your Rocks
Avoid saying 'between a rock and a stone' or 'a hard rock and a place'. Native speakers will know what you mean, but it will sound a bit 'off'.
The 127 Hours Connection
There is a famous movie called '127 Hours' about a man literally stuck under a rock. People often make jokes using this idiom when referencing that movie!
例句
6If I go to the meeting, I miss my son's play, but if I skip it, I might lose the promotion; I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.
I have two bad choices and don't know what to do.
Shows a classic work-life balance struggle.
We can either cut salaries or lay off staff; we're really between a rock and a hard place here.
We are facing two very difficult professional options.
Used to show the gravity of a corporate crisis.
Sarah and Mike both want me at their weddings on the same day. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place!
I'm stuck with a social dilemma.
Relatable social stress between friends.
I can pay for the expensive car repair or walk 5 miles to work in the rain. Talk about a rock and a hard place!
Both of my options suck.
Uses irony to complain about a daily annoyance.
The government is caught between a rock and a hard place regarding the new tax laws.
The government faces a difficult policy dilemma.
Fits well in news or analytical contexts.
Be careful what you promise her, or you'll find yourself between a rock and a hard place.
You will end up in a difficult situation.
Giving advice to avoid a future dilemma.
自我测试
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
I can't afford the rent, but I can't afford to move either. I'm caught between a ___.
The standard idiom always uses 'rock' and 'hard place' to describe a dilemma.
Identify the best context for this phrase.
Which situation fits the idiom? ___
The phrase requires two negative or difficult options, not two pleasant ones.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place'
Used with friends to complain about life.
Ugh, I'm between a rock and a hard place with my roommates.
Perfect for workplace dilemmas or general storytelling.
The manager is caught between a rock and a hard place with the budget.
Used in journalism or speeches to describe tough policy.
The nation finds itself between a rock and a hard place.
When to say you're 'Caught'
Financial Stress
Pay the debt or buy groceries?
Social Conflict
Two friends are fighting and you're in the middle.
Work Pressure
The deadline is today but the data is missing.
Travel Woes
Miss the flight or pay $500 for a change.
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, it is almost always used for stressful or negative situations. You wouldn't use it if you were choosing between two great job offers.
Absolutely. It is a very common way to describe a business dilemma, like We are between a rock and a hard place with this supplier.
It's metaphorical! It just represents any solid, unyielding obstacle that prevents you from escaping the 'rock'.
Close! The lesser of two evils focuses on the choice you finally make. Between a rock and a hard place focuses on the feeling of being stuck before you choose.
You usually use the verb to be or to find oneself. For example: I am caught between a rock and a hard place.
It is not exactly slang, but it is very idiomatic. It's safe to use with anyone from your grandma to your CEO.
Yes, Brits use this too, but they also use between the devil and the deep blue sea quite often.
Not at all. It is still used daily in news, movies, and everyday conversation.
Yes! Stuck between a rock and a hard place is a very common and natural variation.
Usually, this idiom is for two choices. If you have many, you might just say you are in a tight spot or in a bind.
相关表达
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Facing two dangerous or unpleasant alternatives.
In a bind
In a difficult or restrictive situation.
A Catch-22
A paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of conflicting rules.
On the horns of a dilemma
Having to choose between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
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