Rock and hard place

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

Test No. [color=blue]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. [color=blue]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

2

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

3

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

4

I thought the person was between a rock and a place of difficult access. Into this thought am I correct or not? Thank You.

5

That isn’t a set expression.