quandary

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.

Related to quandary: encroach

be in a quandary

To be in a situation in which one is unsure what to do or confused or perplexed about the best course of action. I was in a quandary about whether I should stay at home with the kids or spend a lot of money to put them in daycare. It's a difficult situation, to be sure. We're just in a quandary as to what would make the most sense for the company.

See also: quandary

be thrown into a quandary

To be put into a state of uncertainty or confusion as to the best course of action. I was thrown into a quandary about whether I should stay at home with the kids or spend a lot of money to put them in daycare. It's a difficult situation, to be sure. We've just been thrown into a quandary as to what would make the most sense for the company.

in a quandary

In a situation in which one is unsure what to do or confused or perplexed about the best course of action; in a predicament. I was in a quandary about whether I should stay at home with the kids or spend a lot of money to put them in daycare. It's a difficult situation, to be sure, and we've found ourselves in a quandary as to what would make the most sense for the company.

See also: quandary

put (one) in a quandary

To cause one to become unsure, confused, or perplexed about the best course of action. I was glad to be offered the job, but it put me in a quandary as to who would look after the children during the day. The situation puts the company into a quandary, to be sure. We've just got to try to adapt to the circumstances as best we can.

throw (one) into a quandary

To cause one to become unsure, confused, or perplexed about the best course of action. I was glad to be offered the job, but it threw me into a quandary as to who would look after the children during the day. The situation throws the company into a quandary, to be sure. We've just got to try to adapt to the circumstances as best we can.

*in a quandary

uncertain about what to do; perplexed. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~.) Mary was in a quandary about what college to go to. I couldn't decide what to do. I was in such a quandary.

See also: quandary

in a ˈquandary

uncertain about what to do in a particular situation: She’s in a bit of a quandary about which of the jobs to accept.

See also: quandary

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in periodicals archive ?

Even if ranked-choice voting eliminates spoilers and resolves the lesser-of-evils quandary, the system may have other problems that the existing one does not.

Benton's ballot experiment

For it was a Bother after a B&Q tiler messed up the kitchen they had just paid [pounds sterling]7500 for and a Quandary on how to get it fixed.

We help Newcastle couple in complaint over dodgy tiling from B&Q; Company offer to put Newcastle couple's tile nightmare right after admitting 'disaster'

In Search of Sarah - A Time Traveler's Quandary is published by WingSpan Press, www.wingspanpress.com.

Thought Provoking Fiction Confronts Issues of Technology and the Power to Change the Past

A quandary result, but perhaps one that might help us articulate some of the aspirations the people who have a gut feeling that decades of negativity, false information and peacock policies have got us in a worse jam than before.

Euro election result sends out a message; Views of Wales

The official also said that the team, which consists of several young players, would also miss a chance of gaining exposure in major tournaments, adding that all these issues have put the board in a quandary.

PCB in 'a quandary' over lack of support in Asia Cup, World T20 'hosting issue'

In the most earnest attempt to date to try to settle the diabetes screening quandary, the ADDITION investigators have provided evidence that has been lacking regarding the potential for easing the worldwide epidemic of diabetes, now some 350 million cases strong.

Addition may not add up

It leaves Cumani in something of a quandary - h e must run Mount Athos to gain a place, but the horse risks a hammering from Australian handicappers if he runs with the same verve as secured him two consecutive victories since he joined Cumani's yard this season.

Cumanie yes Newbury for Cup-bound Athos

Jane Iredale targets this quandary with its Lip Crayons.

Jane Iredale repackages lip crayons

It's put us in a complete quandary, because we always did things as a foursome.

You don't have to take sides

The old coaxial conducting lines found inside cable TV wires--or at least their design structure--may have relevance for lithium ion batteries and the nagging battery quandary of limited recharging cycles.

Coaxial li-on nanotubes

I am in a quandary as to how a school that has basically let children down with their education over some years can, with Stockton Council's backing, retain its head mistress who has soul responsibility for these results.

Letter: Your Say - Our harsh lesson

Faced with such a quandary many politicians would have cancelled the fundraiser - but not our Bertie.

Voice of the IRISH SUNDAY Mirror: Busy boy Bertie

I gave him a sympathetic hug before leaving him to mull over his quandary.

He wanted 3 best men; Tantrums & Tiaras

The middle school students are in a quandary over who is taking food.

Bossley, Michele Martin. Swiped

A thoughtful, serious-minded and deep philosophical on an ancient and perplexing moral quandary.