しんたいきわまる

進退窮まる

to be driven into a corner; to be left with nowhere to turn; to be in a dilemma

N3Expression
Expression, Godan verb (ru ending)
to be driven into a cornerto be left with nowhere to turnto be in a dilemma
Expression, Godan verb (ru ending)
to be unable to go forward or backwardto be strandedto get stuck

Example Sentences

進退きわまった。

I am in a tight place.

家主に家賃を払えば、食物を買う(かね)がなくなる。進退きわまったというところだ。

If we pay the rent to the landlady, we won't have any money for food; we are between the devil and the deep blue sea.

お金のために、愛してもいない男との生活をつづけるならば、すっかり失望して、進退きわまる(とき)が将来やってくることだろう。

If she continues to live with a man she doesn't love for his money, the day will come when she will be utterly frustrated and between the devil and the deep blue sea.