Rock and hard place

[Pupil]

Test No. incompl/inter-60 "Cliches", question 10

It's difficult to see how to get out of this situation because we're between a rock and a ......... place.

(a) difficult
(b) hard
(c) soft
(d) firm

Test No. incompl/inter-60 "Cliches", answer 10

It's difficult to see how to get out of this situation because we're between a rock and a hard place.

Correct answer: (b) hard

Hi! Tell me, please. What is it? ... rock and hard place...
Thanks
pupil
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[Alan]

Hi Pupil,

If you are between a rock and a hard place, it means you are in a difficult/impossible situation. On both sides you have problems - a rock on one side and a hard place on the other and you have to imagine you are trying to steer a ship between them both.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[AudGuy]

oh! I see. I thought the other side being too soft would also trap him in the situation. But it's a phrase, I guess.