How to Pronounce "between the devil and the deep blue sea"
expression
Definition
To be in a difficult situation where you must choose between two equally unpleasant or dangerous options.
IPA Transcription
American English
bitˈwin/, /bɪtˈwin/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɛvəɫ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdip/ /ˈbɫu/ /ˈsi
British English
bɪtwˈiːn/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈɛvəl/ /ˈænd/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈiːp/ /blˈuː/ /sˈiː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
bit-WEEN thuh DEV-uhl and thuh DEEP BLOO SEE
UK
bit-WEEN theh DEV-uhl and theh DEEP BLOO SEE
Listen in Context
She felt between the devil and the deep blue sea when choosing between two bad jobs.
If I tell the truth I hurt my friend, if I lie I feel guilty—I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea.
When both roads were flooded, we were between the devil and the deep blue sea.
You’re between the devil and the deep blue sea—no matter which you pick, it’s going to be tough.