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Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

What Does "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" Mean?

homeidiomsBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
"Between the devil and the deep blue sea" is an English idiom. It means "having to choose between two equally undesirable options."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "between the devil and the deep blue sea" used in a sentence:
  • I was between the devil and the deep blue sea: accept the job with lower pay or remain unemployed.
  • Sometimes life puts you between the devil and the deep blue sea.
  • She's stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea with these two offers.
meaning for between the devil and the deep blue sea

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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