in a cleft stick

短语

进退两难

发音

AU

释义与例句

phr.
  1. 1.

    In a difficult situation, unable to choose between unfavourable options; in a dilemma.

    澳大利亚 过时

    Such a solution only puts the humanist in a cleft stick by trading the problem of malnutrition for that of over-population.

  2. 2.

    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, cleft, stick.

    Hence when a Huichol woman is about to weave or embroider, her husband catches a large serpent and holds it in a cleft stick, while the woman strokes the reptile with one hand down the whole length of its back; …

词源

From the metaphor of being caught in a tight position, unable to move.

来源：wiktionary