between the devil and the deep blue sea

phrase

: faced with two equally objectionable alternatives

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Cite this Entry

“Between the devil and the deep blue sea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/between%20the%20devil%20and%20the%20deep%20blue%20sea. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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