Having to decide between two things, faced with the decision making with both the options unfavorable

Etymology:

  • Nobody ever wants to be stuck on the sharp points in the horns of bull as bull is a fierce animal. Sometimes the situation you are in often demands to decide between two dangerous choices. Somewhat similar phrase was used by the people in Middle Ages as well as famous Dutch scholar Erasmus in the 16th century. The word “dilemma” is used as argument between two statements with the requirement to prove either of them to be true.
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The judge admitted that he was on the horns of a dilemma in this case.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'On the Horns of a Dilemma':

on the horns of a dilemmaFacing a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives.
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στα κέρατα ενός διλήμματος

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    "On the Horns of a Dilemma." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma_44899>.

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