I could have titled this blog “Caught between a rock and a hard place” as well. Let’s digress for a minute. Did you ever wonder where this saying originates? Read on:
The idiom “between a rock and a hard place” describes a situation where someone faces a difficult decision between two equally undesirable options. This phrase is often used to convey a sense of being trapped in a dilemma with no favorable outcomes.
Origin of the Phrase
The expression has roots in ancient Greek mythology, specifically in Homer’s Odyssey, where Odysseus must navigate between two sea monsters: Scylla, a cliff-dwelling creature, and Charybdis, a dangerous whirlpool. This perilous passage symbolizes the tough choices one must make when confronted with two equally challenging paths[1][4].
While the phrase is often associated with Greek mythology, its popular usage in English began in the early 20th century, particularly among miners in Bisbee, Arizona, who described their plight of choosing between the harsh conditions of the mines (the rock) and the equally tough environment outside (the hard place) during difficult times[3][5]. The idiom gained traction in American culture during the Great Depression, as people faced tough choices regarding basic needs[3].
Usage and Variations
The phrase can be expressed in several forms, including “stuck between a rock and a hard place” or “caught between a rock and a hard place,” all conveying the same meaning of being in a tough situation with no easy solutions[3]. Other synonymous expressions include “on the horns of a dilemma” and “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” which similarly illustrate the concept of facing difficult choices[3].
In summary, “Between a rock and a Hard Place” effectively captures the essence of being caught in a challenging situation, rooted in both mythological and historical contexts.
Citations:
[1] https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/phrases/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place
[2] https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/32785/expression-caught-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place
[3] https://grammarist.com/idiom/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/
[4] https://americadomani.com/the-italian-origins-of-the-phrase-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/
[5] https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place.html
Back to the present now. On two occasions I have found myself between desired treatment by my GP and input from my renal doctor, and vice versa. It is unpleasant and puts me, the patient, in the middle as a go-between. It’s as if there is an invisible barrier between them that could easily be resolved by a short phone call. But wait; I have observed no indication of a desire to communicate with each other on their part. It’s up to me to carry the message back and forth.
The latest occurred when my renal doctor questioned the dosage of a statin I’m taking for cholesterol stating that it was, at 40 mg, at maximum and we had nowhere to go with it if needed, which is not at this time. She recommended a new injectable drug. The injection is Repatha, a PCSK9 inhibitor that can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels. However, according to my GP, it is too powerful for my situation, is not on my approved insurance list, and costs something like $500 an injection. So the ball is now back in my court to go back to my renal doctor and attempt to explain why my GP is not buying into the potential change in meds. Isn’t life swell?
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