What idiom is inspired by Scylla and Charybdis?

Master AMSCO Literary Terms and Allusions Test. Enhance your literary skills with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Equip yourself with tips and insights to ace the test now!

The correct answer, "stuck between a rock and a hard place," captures the essence of being trapped between two equally difficult choices or situations, akin to the predicament faced by sailors navigating the dangers of Scylla and Charybdis in Greek mythology. Scylla, a monstrous sea creature, and Charybdis, a whirlpool, represent two perilous obstacles that one must avoid while sailing. This mythological reference suggests a scenario where one is forced to make a choice that entails significant risk, as both options lead to trouble.

The phrase emphasizes the struggle of being caught in a dilemma, conveying the idea that one must choose between two undesirable outcomes. In the context of the other idioms, while some convey similar themes of danger and challenge, they do not directly reference the dual threats represented by Scylla and Charybdis. Therefore, this idiom is particularly fitting as it highlights the notion of facing conflicting dangers without a clear or safe path forward.

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