To be between a rock and a hard place means to be stuck in a situation where both choices are difficult or unpleasant. No matter what you decide to do, neither option is good.
The phrase became popular in the United States in the early 1900s and may come from stories about miners who faced dangerous working conditions and limited options. Over time it came to describe any situation where someone must choose between two bad alternatives.
The phrase became popular in the United States in the early 1900s and may come from stories about miners who faced dangerous working conditions and limited options. Over time it came to describe any situation where someone must choose between two bad alternatives.
She felt between a rock and a hard place when she had to choose between moving for a new job or staying close to her family.