be (or be caught) in a cleft stick
Be in a situation in which any action one takes will have adverse consequences.They're caught in a cleft stick situation where they either face being beaten up by dealers or arrested by the police for selling drugs....- But in fact the administration is in a cleft stick.
- The general, adept in running with the hare and hunting with the hound, is now caught in a cleft stick.
See parent entry: cleft