be caught between a rock and a hard place
To be forced to choose between two equally unpleasant, dangerous, or risky alternatives. I was caught between a rock and a hard place, for if I didn't take out another loan—and go deeper into debt—I could not pay off the debts I already owed. You were really caught between a rock and a hard place when you had to choose between your career and your relationship. The police knew with certainty he had drugs in his car, so he was caught between a rock and a hard place: either lie to the police, or admit that the drugs belonged to him.
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