Have you ever been in a situation in which there are no good choices? Maybe you are stuck choosing between two or even three options that you find less than alluring. Situations such as these can are considered being between a rock and a hard place. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase between a rock and a hard place means that a person has to deal with two or more less-than-ideal options. All available choices that have a negative result or a less positive outcome are also considered to be between a rock and a hard place.
The phrase is also used when there are two evil or negative decisions, but one must be chosen regardless of the outcome. The phrase is commonly used in regular life and in professional settings.
Example Usage
“I have to choose between buying food and paying rent, which puts me between a rock and a hard place”.
“It is terrible being stuck between a rock and a hard place, there is just no good option”.
“You can go with me, or go to jail, I don’t care if you are stuck between a rock and a hard place”’
“We need to decide if you want to continue the pregnancy, or if you want to start cancer treatment. It’s like you are between a rock and a hard place, but choices have to be made”.
Origin
Decisions are a natural part of life, but sometimes, there are no good options available. These types of situations have existed as long as the human race has been alive. The actual phrase, between a rock and a hard place, however, was penned much later in our evolutionary history. The phrase can be traced back to Greek mythology. Specifically, it was first found in Homer’s Odyssey.
In the tale, the character Odysseus must go through a difficult area on his journey. The Charybdis, which is a dangerous whirlpool, and the cliff-dwelling monster Scylla that loves to eat men, are the dangers he must face. The phrase between a rock and a hard place was used to explain his plight of having to travel between the cliff and the whirlpool.
The Greek saying is more of a translation or inference rather than a direct quote. The phrase was used quite often in the early parts of the 20th century in the USA and other first-world countries.
Phrases Similar to Rock and a Hard Place
- The devil and the deep blue sea
- Two fires
- Hammer and anvil
- Up against the wall
- Backed into a corner
- Out of options
Phrases Opposite to Rock and a Hard Place
- Plenty of options
- Easy peasy
- A simple diversion
- A wealth of opportunities
- Easy solution
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper saying is – in between a rock and a hard place.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Rock and a Hard Place
Some ways that Rock and a Hard Place are used incorrectly are:
- It is quite comfortable between a rock and a hard place.
- I think sleeping between a rock and a hard place will be good for my back.
- Try hanging out between a rock and a hard place if you think you can.
- Have you seen the store between a rock and a hard place?
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Rock and a Hard Place
Some ways that Rock and a Hard Place are used correctly are:
- Janise is really out of options at her job, just stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of advancement.
- Either you study and pass, or you flounder and fail. Being between a rock and a hard place is no excuse.
- The only way out of a rock and a hard place is by choosing the less harmful option.
- By taking away my choice you have put me between a rock and a hard place.