be on the horns of a dilemma

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. 2014.

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  • 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

  • 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

  • on the horns of a dilemma — ► on the horns of a dilemma faced with a decision involving equally unfavourable alternatives. Main Entry: ↑horn …   English terms dictionary

  • 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

  • be on the horns of a dilemma — verb To face a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives. Syn: between Scylla and Charybdis, between a rock and a hard place, have the wolf by the ear, have a tiger by the tail …   Wiktionary

  • 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 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

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