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What do you call a situation where you have choices but no good choice?
Is there an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation?Is there any phrase to describe the situation when you try to do something but it always fails?What do you call someone who tells jokes that nobody laughs at“Manager” or “supervisor” when complaining about service?How to name this selling format in English?Appropriate word for a specific situationWhat do you call a process of diploma work presentation and answering questionsWhat do you call the work done to make an encyclopedia or a reference book?What do you call the non-narrative aspects of a novel?What do you call a film sequence where a lot of scene changes happen rapidly one after another?What do you call the nephew of your adoptive father?
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How do you call a situation in which you seemingly have a choice, but whatever you choose it will be to your disadvantage in one way or another?
word-request phrase-request
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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How do you call a situation in which you seemingly have a choice, but whatever you choose it will be to your disadvantage in one way or another?
word-request phrase-request
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
1
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40
add a comment |
How do you call a situation in which you seemingly have a choice, but whatever you choose it will be to your disadvantage in one way or another?
word-request phrase-request
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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How do you call a situation in which you seemingly have a choice, but whatever you choose it will be to your disadvantage in one way or another?
word-request phrase-request
word-request phrase-request
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
492 bronze badges
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
492 bronze badges
edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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edited Jul 5 at 20:56
Glorfindel
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9,15011 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges
asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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asked Jul 5 at 9:29
user18894user18894
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492 bronze badges
1
A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
1
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40
add a comment |
1
A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
1
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40
1
1
A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
1
1
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40
add a comment |
12 Answers
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As others have said there are many expressions describing a situation in which there is no apparent beneficial outcome, such as choose the lesser of two evils, between a rock and a hard place, etc.
It could also be called a no-win situation.
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
|
show 3 more comments
One might say than in such a situation, you're faced with two evils (or maybe more than two). There's a commonly used phrase choose the lesser of two evils:
To pick the less offensive of two undesirable options.
I wasn't excited about going to a seminar all weekend, but I also didn't want to lose my license, so I chose the lesser of two evils and spent the weekend learning about new regulations in our field.
Do you really want to get a demerit for not having your blazer? Just choose the lesser of two evils and tell the teacher you forgot it—maybe she'll take pity on you!
(source: The Free Dictionary)
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
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There are many such idioms in English. You could say you are "caught on the horns of a dilemma," "between a rock and a hard place," "between the devil and the deep blue sea," "between Scylla and Charybdis." These generally all mean you are faced with two equally unpleasant options. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
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Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
add a comment |
A Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)
- A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_choice
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
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A lot of answers here (lose-lose, lesser of two evils, horns of a dilemma, rock & hard place) seem to indicate choosing between two options. Where there are a number of distasteful options the general idiom I've come across is: The best of a bad bunch
Yes, it looks like you have a range of choices, but in an ideal world, you wouldn't select any of them. Since you have to choose one, you pick the best of a bad bunch.
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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Damned if you do, damned if you don't is another common idiom conveying this.
A situation in which one can't win. For example, If I invite Aunt
Jane, Mother will be angry, and if I don't, I lose Jane's
friendship-I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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The expression lose-lose situation (any choice is as bad as all the others), as mentioned by Ryan, is probably the best one so far. All I can do is recommend you another way to describe a situation where all outcomes are considered equally bad:
Either choice is bad any way you slice it.
Here's how the Macmillan Dictionary defines any way you slice it:
used for saying that something remains true, whatever way you consider it
Example: The book is a bestseller any way you slice it.
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
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It's called a zugzwang.
CHESS
noun: Zugzwang
a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage.
"black is in zugzwang"
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
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In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
add a comment |
"Dilemma" can work well in some cases:
di·lem·ma (noun)
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Also, I like "lose-lose" mentioned above – but “dilemma" is more formal.
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
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I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
add a comment |
I'll add
Catch-22
It's from an old satire story about American military life. This particular allusion is to intentionally self-defeating regulation. In the story, a soldier may apply for relief from battle on grounds of insanity, per regulation 22, but had to make the application himself. However, the ability to recognize one's own insanity proves no insanity exists at all, thus the soldier would "catch [regulation] 22" and his request would be denied.
The most appropriate use for this should be when you have a choice, but outcomes are identical, but common usage is for a selection of choices and all outcomes are not favorable.
Whatever your choices, I give you The Clash while you decide.
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
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A typical term for this scenario is to refer to "Morton's fork". The etymology for this dates back to tax collectors in medieval England, after a scheme proposed by a bishop named John Morton, which held that anyone who lived modestly must be saving money and thus could pay their taxes, while anyone who was living lavishly must be wealthy and can thus also afford to pay taxes.
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
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Here, we call it "elections"..
But you could say "entre a cruz e a espada" in Portuguese ('between cross and sword' literally).
If all your 'options' are bad, you dont choose. Except on elections.
Actually, not joking or trolling, but people just don´t get it...
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
add a comment |
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12 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
12 Answers
12
active
oldest
votes
active
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active
oldest
votes
As others have said there are many expressions describing a situation in which there is no apparent beneficial outcome, such as choose the lesser of two evils, between a rock and a hard place, etc.
It could also be called a no-win situation.
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
|
show 3 more comments
As others have said there are many expressions describing a situation in which there is no apparent beneficial outcome, such as choose the lesser of two evils, between a rock and a hard place, etc.
It could also be called a no-win situation.
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
|
show 3 more comments
As others have said there are many expressions describing a situation in which there is no apparent beneficial outcome, such as choose the lesser of two evils, between a rock and a hard place, etc.
It could also be called a no-win situation.
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
As others have said there are many expressions describing a situation in which there is no apparent beneficial outcome, such as choose the lesser of two evils, between a rock and a hard place, etc.
It could also be called a no-win situation.
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 11:23
MickMick
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
1,5465 silver badges18 bronze badges
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
|
show 3 more comments
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
I don't think no-win implies a meaningful choice.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 5 at 23:50
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
Many times I’ve heard it called a lose-lose situation (as opposed to a “win-win” or “win-win-win”).
– Ryan
Jul 6 at 2:13
1
1
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
I've heard trekkies talk about a "kobayashi maru" for such a situation with only bad options. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru
– RandomForestRanger
Jul 6 at 9:53
1
1
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@RandomForestRanger In the movie dialogue, they call it a "no-win situation". Kobayashi Maru is a leadership test that incorporates this problem.
– Barmar
Jul 6 at 17:15
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
@Ryan A lose-lose situation is usually one where there are two parties and the choices made are such that both parties feel like they lost. While there is overlap with this situation, a no-win situation does not require you to take into account any other parties, and so it's a better fit for this.
– Spitemaster
Jul 7 at 0:56
|
show 3 more comments
One might say than in such a situation, you're faced with two evils (or maybe more than two). There's a commonly used phrase choose the lesser of two evils:
To pick the less offensive of two undesirable options.
I wasn't excited about going to a seminar all weekend, but I also didn't want to lose my license, so I chose the lesser of two evils and spent the weekend learning about new regulations in our field.
Do you really want to get a demerit for not having your blazer? Just choose the lesser of two evils and tell the teacher you forgot it—maybe she'll take pity on you!
(source: The Free Dictionary)
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
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add a comment |
One might say than in such a situation, you're faced with two evils (or maybe more than two). There's a commonly used phrase choose the lesser of two evils:
To pick the less offensive of two undesirable options.
I wasn't excited about going to a seminar all weekend, but I also didn't want to lose my license, so I chose the lesser of two evils and spent the weekend learning about new regulations in our field.
Do you really want to get a demerit for not having your blazer? Just choose the lesser of two evils and tell the teacher you forgot it—maybe she'll take pity on you!
(source: The Free Dictionary)
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
9,15011 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges
add a comment |
One might say than in such a situation, you're faced with two evils (or maybe more than two). There's a commonly used phrase choose the lesser of two evils:
To pick the less offensive of two undesirable options.
I wasn't excited about going to a seminar all weekend, but I also didn't want to lose my license, so I chose the lesser of two evils and spent the weekend learning about new regulations in our field.
Do you really want to get a demerit for not having your blazer? Just choose the lesser of two evils and tell the teacher you forgot it—maybe she'll take pity on you!
(source: The Free Dictionary)
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
9,15011 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges
One might say than in such a situation, you're faced with two evils (or maybe more than two). There's a commonly used phrase choose the lesser of two evils:
To pick the less offensive of two undesirable options.
I wasn't excited about going to a seminar all weekend, but I also didn't want to lose my license, so I chose the lesser of two evils and spent the weekend learning about new regulations in our field.
Do you really want to get a demerit for not having your blazer? Just choose the lesser of two evils and tell the teacher you forgot it—maybe she'll take pity on you!
(source: The Free Dictionary)
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
9,15011 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
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answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
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answered Jul 5 at 9:35
GlorfindelGlorfindel
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9,15011 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
There are many such idioms in English. You could say you are "caught on the horns of a dilemma," "between a rock and a hard place," "between the devil and the deep blue sea," "between Scylla and Charybdis." These generally all mean you are faced with two equally unpleasant options. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
8674 bronze badges
7
Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
add a comment |
There are many such idioms in English. You could say you are "caught on the horns of a dilemma," "between a rock and a hard place," "between the devil and the deep blue sea," "between Scylla and Charybdis." These generally all mean you are faced with two equally unpleasant options. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
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Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
add a comment |
There are many such idioms in English. You could say you are "caught on the horns of a dilemma," "between a rock and a hard place," "between the devil and the deep blue sea," "between Scylla and Charybdis." These generally all mean you are faced with two equally unpleasant options. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
8674 bronze badges
There are many such idioms in English. You could say you are "caught on the horns of a dilemma," "between a rock and a hard place," "between the devil and the deep blue sea," "between Scylla and Charybdis." These generally all mean you are faced with two equally unpleasant options. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
8674 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
8674 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
8674 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 9:53
ShowsniShowsni
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7
Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
add a comment |
7
Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
7
7
Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Of these, the only I've heard in common American English is "between a rock and a hard place". I could probably have deduced what "caught on the horns of a dilemma" means but I think "between Scylla and Charybdis" would be lost on the average American.
– Reticulated Spline
Jul 5 at 17:52
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
Horns of a dilemma is still common enough in some AmE circles. And some of us are old enough to remember Christina Applegate being "stuck on the horns of an enema" 30 years ago.
– A C
Jul 5 at 23:45
add a comment |
A Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)
- A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_choice
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
511 bronze badge
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A Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)
- A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_choice
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
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add a comment |
A Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)
- A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_choice
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
511 bronze badge
A Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)
- A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_choice
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
511 bronze badge
answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
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answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
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answered Jul 6 at 12:53
AnandkAnandk
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A lot of answers here (lose-lose, lesser of two evils, horns of a dilemma, rock & hard place) seem to indicate choosing between two options. Where there are a number of distasteful options the general idiom I've come across is: The best of a bad bunch
Yes, it looks like you have a range of choices, but in an ideal world, you wouldn't select any of them. Since you have to choose one, you pick the best of a bad bunch.
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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A lot of answers here (lose-lose, lesser of two evils, horns of a dilemma, rock & hard place) seem to indicate choosing between two options. Where there are a number of distasteful options the general idiom I've come across is: The best of a bad bunch
Yes, it looks like you have a range of choices, but in an ideal world, you wouldn't select any of them. Since you have to choose one, you pick the best of a bad bunch.
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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add a comment |
A lot of answers here (lose-lose, lesser of two evils, horns of a dilemma, rock & hard place) seem to indicate choosing between two options. Where there are a number of distasteful options the general idiom I've come across is: The best of a bad bunch
Yes, it looks like you have a range of choices, but in an ideal world, you wouldn't select any of them. Since you have to choose one, you pick the best of a bad bunch.
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
5,8301 gold badge15 silver badges31 bronze badges
A lot of answers here (lose-lose, lesser of two evils, horns of a dilemma, rock & hard place) seem to indicate choosing between two options. Where there are a number of distasteful options the general idiom I've come across is: The best of a bad bunch
Yes, it looks like you have a range of choices, but in an ideal world, you wouldn't select any of them. Since you have to choose one, you pick the best of a bad bunch.
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
5,8301 gold badge15 silver badges31 bronze badges
answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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answered Jul 6 at 3:18
mcalexmcalex
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add a comment |
Damned if you do, damned if you don't is another common idiom conveying this.
A situation in which one can't win. For example, If I invite Aunt
Jane, Mother will be angry, and if I don't, I lose Jane's
friendship-I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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add a comment |
Damned if you do, damned if you don't is another common idiom conveying this.
A situation in which one can't win. For example, If I invite Aunt
Jane, Mother will be angry, and if I don't, I lose Jane's
friendship-I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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add a comment |
Damned if you do, damned if you don't is another common idiom conveying this.
A situation in which one can't win. For example, If I invite Aunt
Jane, Mother will be angry, and if I don't, I lose Jane's
friendship-I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
2561 silver badge4 bronze badges
Damned if you do, damned if you don't is another common idiom conveying this.
A situation in which one can't win. For example, If I invite Aunt
Jane, Mother will be angry, and if I don't, I lose Jane's
friendship-I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:06
J.R.♦
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103k8 gold badges134 silver badges256 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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answered Jul 5 at 19:49
Michael J.Michael J.
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The expression lose-lose situation (any choice is as bad as all the others), as mentioned by Ryan, is probably the best one so far. All I can do is recommend you another way to describe a situation where all outcomes are considered equally bad:
Either choice is bad any way you slice it.
Here's how the Macmillan Dictionary defines any way you slice it:
used for saying that something remains true, whatever way you consider it
Example: The book is a bestseller any way you slice it.
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
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add a comment |
The expression lose-lose situation (any choice is as bad as all the others), as mentioned by Ryan, is probably the best one so far. All I can do is recommend you another way to describe a situation where all outcomes are considered equally bad:
Either choice is bad any way you slice it.
Here's how the Macmillan Dictionary defines any way you slice it:
used for saying that something remains true, whatever way you consider it
Example: The book is a bestseller any way you slice it.
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
27.7k11 gold badges118 silver badges250 bronze badges
add a comment |
The expression lose-lose situation (any choice is as bad as all the others), as mentioned by Ryan, is probably the best one so far. All I can do is recommend you another way to describe a situation where all outcomes are considered equally bad:
Either choice is bad any way you slice it.
Here's how the Macmillan Dictionary defines any way you slice it:
used for saying that something remains true, whatever way you consider it
Example: The book is a bestseller any way you slice it.
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
27.7k11 gold badges118 silver badges250 bronze badges
The expression lose-lose situation (any choice is as bad as all the others), as mentioned by Ryan, is probably the best one so far. All I can do is recommend you another way to describe a situation where all outcomes are considered equally bad:
Either choice is bad any way you slice it.
Here's how the Macmillan Dictionary defines any way you slice it:
used for saying that something remains true, whatever way you consider it
Example: The book is a bestseller any way you slice it.
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
27.7k11 gold badges118 silver badges250 bronze badges
edited Jul 7 at 0:23
answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
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answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
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answered Jul 6 at 3:02
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
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add a comment |
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It's called a zugzwang.
CHESS
noun: Zugzwang
a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage.
"black is in zugzwang"
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
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In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
add a comment |
It's called a zugzwang.
CHESS
noun: Zugzwang
a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage.
"black is in zugzwang"
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
1
In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
add a comment |
It's called a zugzwang.
CHESS
noun: Zugzwang
a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage.
"black is in zugzwang"
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
103k8 gold badges134 silver badges256 bronze badges
answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
It's called a zugzwang.
CHESS
noun: Zugzwang
a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage.
"black is in zugzwang"
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
103k8 gold badges134 silver badges256 bronze badges
answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:09
J.R.♦
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103k8 gold badges134 silver badges256 bronze badges
answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
answered Jul 6 at 6:39
AlejandroAlejandro
391 bronze badge
391 bronze badge
1
In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
add a comment |
1
In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
1
1
In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
In Zugzwang, the emphasis is more about being forced to move creating the negative consequence; not just all the moves resulting in negative consequences. Imagine you are in a room with two doors, and going out either door will lead to your death -- but as long as you stay in the room, you won't die immediately. The last point is what makes it a zugzwang situation. It has more similarity to the terms "stalemate" or "Mexican standoff" than it does to "no-win situation" or "Sophie's Choice".
– onigame
Jul 7 at 5:58
2
2
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
This would not be familiar to the average English speaker, as it's an uncommon word that's mostly encountered in the context of high-level chess play.
– Hearth
Jul 7 at 14:15
add a comment |
"Dilemma" can work well in some cases:
di·lem·ma (noun)
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Also, I like "lose-lose" mentioned above – but “dilemma" is more formal.
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
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I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
add a comment |
"Dilemma" can work well in some cases:
di·lem·ma (noun)
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Also, I like "lose-lose" mentioned above – but “dilemma" is more formal.
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
311 bronze badge
I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
add a comment |
"Dilemma" can work well in some cases:
di·lem·ma (noun)
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Also, I like "lose-lose" mentioned above – but “dilemma" is more formal.
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
311 bronze badge
"Dilemma" can work well in some cases:
di·lem·ma (noun)
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Also, I like "lose-lose" mentioned above – but “dilemma" is more formal.
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
311 bronze badge
edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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edited Jul 6 at 20:12
J.R.♦
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103k8 gold badges134 silver badges256 bronze badges
answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
311 bronze badge
answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
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answered Jul 6 at 15:18
DVEDVE
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311 bronze badge
I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
add a comment |
I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
I think of a dilemma as something that negatively affects the other side of the choice, not directly a negative outcome in general.
– mazunki
Jul 7 at 18:34
add a comment |
I'll add
Catch-22
It's from an old satire story about American military life. This particular allusion is to intentionally self-defeating regulation. In the story, a soldier may apply for relief from battle on grounds of insanity, per regulation 22, but had to make the application himself. However, the ability to recognize one's own insanity proves no insanity exists at all, thus the soldier would "catch [regulation] 22" and his request would be denied.
The most appropriate use for this should be when you have a choice, but outcomes are identical, but common usage is for a selection of choices and all outcomes are not favorable.
Whatever your choices, I give you The Clash while you decide.
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
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add a comment |
I'll add
Catch-22
It's from an old satire story about American military life. This particular allusion is to intentionally self-defeating regulation. In the story, a soldier may apply for relief from battle on grounds of insanity, per regulation 22, but had to make the application himself. However, the ability to recognize one's own insanity proves no insanity exists at all, thus the soldier would "catch [regulation] 22" and his request would be denied.
The most appropriate use for this should be when you have a choice, but outcomes are identical, but common usage is for a selection of choices and all outcomes are not favorable.
Whatever your choices, I give you The Clash while you decide.
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
2051 silver badge4 bronze badges
add a comment |
I'll add
Catch-22
It's from an old satire story about American military life. This particular allusion is to intentionally self-defeating regulation. In the story, a soldier may apply for relief from battle on grounds of insanity, per regulation 22, but had to make the application himself. However, the ability to recognize one's own insanity proves no insanity exists at all, thus the soldier would "catch [regulation] 22" and his request would be denied.
The most appropriate use for this should be when you have a choice, but outcomes are identical, but common usage is for a selection of choices and all outcomes are not favorable.
Whatever your choices, I give you The Clash while you decide.
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
2051 silver badge4 bronze badges
I'll add
Catch-22
It's from an old satire story about American military life. This particular allusion is to intentionally self-defeating regulation. In the story, a soldier may apply for relief from battle on grounds of insanity, per regulation 22, but had to make the application himself. However, the ability to recognize one's own insanity proves no insanity exists at all, thus the soldier would "catch [regulation] 22" and his request would be denied.
The most appropriate use for this should be when you have a choice, but outcomes are identical, but common usage is for a selection of choices and all outcomes are not favorable.
Whatever your choices, I give you The Clash while you decide.
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
2051 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
2051 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
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answered Jul 7 at 7:34
fredsbendfredsbend
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add a comment |
A typical term for this scenario is to refer to "Morton's fork". The etymology for this dates back to tax collectors in medieval England, after a scheme proposed by a bishop named John Morton, which held that anyone who lived modestly must be saving money and thus could pay their taxes, while anyone who was living lavishly must be wealthy and can thus also afford to pay taxes.
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
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add a comment |
A typical term for this scenario is to refer to "Morton's fork". The etymology for this dates back to tax collectors in medieval England, after a scheme proposed by a bishop named John Morton, which held that anyone who lived modestly must be saving money and thus could pay their taxes, while anyone who was living lavishly must be wealthy and can thus also afford to pay taxes.
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
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add a comment |
A typical term for this scenario is to refer to "Morton's fork". The etymology for this dates back to tax collectors in medieval England, after a scheme proposed by a bishop named John Morton, which held that anyone who lived modestly must be saving money and thus could pay their taxes, while anyone who was living lavishly must be wealthy and can thus also afford to pay taxes.
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
3891 silver badge6 bronze badges
A typical term for this scenario is to refer to "Morton's fork". The etymology for this dates back to tax collectors in medieval England, after a scheme proposed by a bishop named John Morton, which held that anyone who lived modestly must be saving money and thus could pay their taxes, while anyone who was living lavishly must be wealthy and can thus also afford to pay taxes.
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
3891 silver badge6 bronze badges
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
3891 silver badge6 bronze badges
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
3891 silver badge6 bronze badges
answered Jul 7 at 16:50
nick012000nick012000
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3891 silver badge6 bronze badges
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add a comment |
Here, we call it "elections"..
But you could say "entre a cruz e a espada" in Portuguese ('between cross and sword' literally).
If all your 'options' are bad, you dont choose. Except on elections.
Actually, not joking or trolling, but people just don´t get it...
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
add a comment |
Here, we call it "elections"..
But you could say "entre a cruz e a espada" in Portuguese ('between cross and sword' literally).
If all your 'options' are bad, you dont choose. Except on elections.
Actually, not joking or trolling, but people just don´t get it...
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
add a comment |
Here, we call it "elections"..
But you could say "entre a cruz e a espada" in Portuguese ('between cross and sword' literally).
If all your 'options' are bad, you dont choose. Except on elections.
Actually, not joking or trolling, but people just don´t get it...
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
Here, we call it "elections"..
But you could say "entre a cruz e a espada" in Portuguese ('between cross and sword' literally).
If all your 'options' are bad, you dont choose. Except on elections.
Actually, not joking or trolling, but people just don´t get it...
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
edited Jul 5 at 22:59
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
answered Jul 5 at 22:30
KamersKamers
392 bronze badges
392 bronze badges
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
add a comment |
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
I have never heard of the word being used that way.
– nick012000
Jul 7 at 16:50
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
@nick012000 - I, too, have never heard it expressed that way before, but given all the discontentment around politics these days, it’s an apt metaphor.
– J.R.♦
Jul 8 at 0:30
add a comment |
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1
A complementary question asked for "an idiom that means that you are in a very strong negotiation position in a negotiation".
– Jasper
Jul 6 at 4:30
1
Caught between a rock and a hard place. Also this is called having "Hobson's choice".
– user334732
Jul 7 at 17:40