between Scylla and Charybdis

phrase

: between two equally hazardous alternatives

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of between Scylla and Charybdis was in 1739

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“Between Scylla and Charybdis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/between%20Scylla%20and%20Charybdis. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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between Scylla and Charybdis

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