all options stink
There is no good option in this particular situation. I don't know what we're going to do here—all options stink. I don't want to break up with him, but I also don't want to move across the country with him. All options stink, all right. Yeah, all options here stink, but I think this one stinks the least.
keep (one's) options open
To refrain from making a decision or commitment that will limit one's choices in the future. You're awfully young to be getting married. I just think you should keep your options open until you're finished with college. They've offered me a good salary if I stay with the company, but I think I'd like to keep my options open.
leave (one's) options open
To refrain from making a decision or commitment that will limit one's choices in the future. You're awfully young to be getting married. I just think you should leave your options open until you're finished with college. They've offered me a good salary if I stay with the company, but I think I'd like to leave my options open for now.
nuclear option
1. The use of nuclear weapons, as by the military, often considered a last resort. I'm worried about the repercussions if our military officials choose the nuclear option.
2. In the US Senate, a course of action allowing the majority party to end filibustering with a simple majority, rather than the usually required supermajority of 60%. Senators could, however, use the nuclear option to approve that nomination.
3. An especially drastic decision or action. Calling the CEO about this issue is definitely the nuclear option—let's see what we can do on our own first.
soft option
A possible course of action that does not require as much effort, hardship, or unpleasantness compared to the alternative(s). The government is trying to find a soft option on tax reform that won't drive away businesses but won't cost the state billions in lost revenue each year. I think he decided to stay in his job because it was the soft option—it was safe, secure, and he knew how to do it, even if he was bored stiff.
the easy option
A less strenuous, less risky, or less difficult way of doing something; a means of doing something that avoids effort or difficulty. Even though my dad had always wanted to be a cartoonist, he took the easy option and got an office job so he'd have a secure income for the family.
the soft option
A less strenuous, less risky, or less difficult way of doing something; a means of doing something that avoids effort or difficulty. Even though my dad had always wanted to be a cartoonist, he took the soft option and got an office job so he'd have a secure income for the family.
weigh (one's) options
To consider the pros and cons of one's possible options very thoroughly and carefully. There are a lot of factors and possible outcomes at play, so we need to weigh our options before making a final decision.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.