Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

between-the-devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea

idiom
/bɪˈtwiːn ðə ˈdɛvəl ənd ðə dip bljuː si/
Definition
A situation where you have to choose between two unpleasant options.
Examples
  • When it came to choosing between a job offer and staying with his current company, he felt he was between the devil and the deep blue sea.
  • She had to decide between telling the truth and hurting her friend or lying and keeping the peace; she was truly between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Meaning
This phrase describes being caught in a difficult situation where neither choice is ideal.
Synonyms
  • between a rock and a hard place
  • caught in a dilemma
  • stuck in a bind