horns of a dilemma

horns of a dilemma
{n. phr.} Two choices possible in a situation in which neither is wanted. Usually used after "on". * /Joe found himself on the horns of a dilemma; if he went to work, he'd miss seeing Mary; if he stayed out, he'd he too broke to take her anywhere./

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Horns of a dilemma — Dilemma Di*lem ma, n. [L. dilemma, Gr. ?; di = di s twice + ? to take. See {Lemma}.] 1. (Logic) An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses. [1913 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • horns of a dilemma — If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant options and have to choose one …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • horns of a dilemma — see under ↑dilemma • • • Main Entry: ↑horn …   Useful english dictionary

  • horns of a dilemma — {n. phr.} Two choices possible in a situation in which neither is wanted. Usually used after on . * /Joe found himself on the horns of a dilemma; if he went to work, he d miss seeing Mary; if he stayed out, he d he too broke to take her… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • horns\ of\ a\ dilemma — n. phr. two choices possible in a situation in which neither is wanted. Usually used after on . Joe found himself on the horns of a dilemma; if he went to work, he d miss seeing Mary; if he stayed out, he d be too broke to take her anywhere …   Словарь американских идиом

  • horns of a dilemma —    If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant options and have to choose one.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Horns of a dilemma —   If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant options and have to choose one …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • on the horns of a dilemma — BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, between Scylla and Charybdis; informal between a rock and a hard place. → dilemma * * * on the horns of a dilemma In a dilemma (see comments above) • • • Main Entry: ↑dilemma * * * on the horns of a… …   Useful english dictionary

  • be on the horns of a dilemma — to be unable to decide which of two things to do because either could have bad results. How can we decide which hospital to close? We are on the horns of a dilemma …   New idioms dictionary

  • on the horns of a dilemma — unable to decide between two things because either could bring bad results. Nonprofit groups are often caught on the horns of a dilemma – they have to satisfy their donors, but at the same time, they need to attract new donors …   New idioms dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”