Between the devil and the deep blue sea

usgb
idiom

In a difficult situation where there are two dangerous alternatives.

I was between the devil and the deep blue sea, trying to decide whether to force my son to go to school or let him miss another day.
Visual representation of "between the devil and the deep blue sea" - In a difficult situation where there are two dangerous alternatives

Often appears as...

  • find oneself between the devil and the deep blue sea
  • caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "between the devil and the deep blue sea"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Dilemma

Emphasizes a stressful choice where no option is desirable, often creating emotional distress.

Illustration for Emotional Dilemma
She was between the devil and the deep blue sea, choosing between two jobs she disliked.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Decision Making

Implies an urgent need to make a tough decision, yet neither option is clearly better.

Illustration for Decision Making
The leader found himself between the devil and the deep blue sea, balancing between public opinion and policy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Overuse

Best used sparingly to maintain its impact in conversation or writing.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
In his novel, he effectively used 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' only once to underscore a climax.
Visual representation of the word "Between the devil and the deep blue sea"

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