How to Pronounce "between a rock and a hard place"
expression
bit-WEEN uh RAWK and uh HARD playss
bit-WEEN uh ROK and uh HAHD playss
Definition
Used when you have to choose between two difficult or unpleasant options and there’s no easy way out.
IPA Transcription
American English
bitˈwin/, /bɪtˈwin/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹɑk/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɑɹd/ /ˈpɫeɪs
British English
bɪtwˈiːn/ /æɪ/ /ɹˈɒk/ /ˈænd/ /æɪ/ /hˈɑːd/ /plˈeɪs
Simplified Pronunciation
US
bit-WEEN uh RAWK and uh HARD playss
UK
bit-WEEN uh ROK and uh HAHD playss
Listen in Context
I'm between a rock and a hard place—I have to choose between two bad jobs.
She felt between a rock and a hard place when both friends argued.
We're between a rock and a hard place—save money or fix the car.
Honestly, I'm between a rock and a hard place with this decision.