世博习惯用语【21】Between a rock and a hard place 进退两难

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Between a rock and a hard place

Definition: In difficulty, with two unsatisfactory options available.

【世博精解】

如果你被夹在大石块和很难迈步的一个地方之间，你有什么感觉呢？进退两难，不知如何是好吧. Between a rock and a hard place用在需要在相等或相互排斥的选择物之间进行选择的处境，而往往这两种选择都不是令人满意的。比如说：I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. If I go with Isobel, it’ll be much more expensive and if I go with Julie, Isobel probably won’t speak to me again. 这就叫做“between a rock and a hard place”, 也就是汉语的进退两难、进退维谷、左右为难等等。其实“dilemma ”有时就能够代替这个惯用语，上面的例句就可以说I’m caught in a delemma… 除了常和be caught连用，还可以同be stuck搭配，e.g. I'd like to help you but I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.(我不是不想帮你，我也很为难呀)

Example dialog:

A: If we have a pleasant cooperation this time, I promise to make your company our long-term supplier.
如果这次大家合作愉快，我保证指定你公司为长期供货商。

B: You've got me between a rock and a hard place;Ok, I'll sell it to you at the price you quoted.
你弄得我进退两难，好吧，就按你报的价卖给你们吧。