fall between two stools

phrase

: to fail because of inability to choose between or reconcile two alternative or conflicting courses of action

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall between two stools was in 1718

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Cite this Entry

“Fall between two stools.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20between%20two%20stools. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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