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dilemma

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be on the horns of a dilemma

To struggle to choose between two problematic or unappealing options. I'm really on the horns of a dilemma here: do I say no to this great job opportunity, or do I accept it and move away from my family?

See also: dilemma, horn, of, on

on the horns of a dilemma

Fig. having to decide between two things, people, etc. Mary found herself on the horns of a dilemma. She didn't know which to choose. I make up my mind easily. I'm not on the horns of a dilemma very often.

See also: dilemma, horn, of, on

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.

See also: dilemma, horn, of, on

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.

See also: dilemma, horn, of, on

horns of a dilemma, on the

Faced with two equally undesirable alternatives. For example, I'm on the horns of a dilemma: if I sell the house now I have no place to live, but if I wait I may not get as good a price . This term was first recorded about 1600, but the idea of being caught on either one horn or the other (of an animal) was already expressed in Roman times.

See also: horn, of, on

on the horns of a dilemma

Faced with two equally undesirable alternatives.

See also: dilemma, horn, of, on