Between A Rock and A Hard Place Meaning, Synonyms, Examples

Have you ever been caught between a rock and a hard place in your life? The idiom means that you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant or dangerous options. It is used to express a dilemma or a predicament where there are no good choices. For example, if you have to decide whether to quit your job or work with a terrible boss, then this phrase will fit your situation.

Usage With Examples

Here’s how you can use the above idiom in a sentence:

1. When the pandemic hit, many small businesses were between a rock and a hard place: they had to either close down and lose their income, or stay open and risk their health.
2. She was between a rock and a hard place when her parents asked her to choose between going to college or getting married.
3. He felt like he was between a rock and a hard place when he had to decide whether to testify against his friend or lie to the court.

Also Read: 500+ Most Commonly Used Idioms in English

Synonyms and Similar Phrases

Given below are some words and phrases having the same meaning as the above idiom:

1. Between the devil and the deep blue sea
2. Between Scylla and Charybdis
3. On the horns of a dilemma
4. In a catch-22
5. Cornered
6. Sitting on a powder keg
7. Between the hammer and the anvil
8. Between two fires
9. Stuck in a tight spot
10. Hobson’s choice

Also Read: Speak Volumes Idiom Meaning, Synonyms, Examples

Between a Rock and a Hard Place Quiz

He was _______ when he had to choose between staying loyal to his friend or telling the truth to the police.

a) Between a rock and a hard place

b) Between a rock and a hill

c) Between a boat and a beach

d) Between a hard place and 

The correct answer is a).

We hope this blog helped you understand the meaning of the idiom “between a rock and a hard place”, its use in a sentence, and its synonyms. Explore more idioms like this daily by following Leverage Edu. Happy Learning!