Meaning of one's damned if one does, and one's damned if one doesn't | Babel Free

Definitions

Phrase. [C2]

Examples

“To be between the Devil and the deep sea, is a simile oftimes quoted to describe distress, but Brother Stewart is not only between the Devil and the deep sea, but it would appear that his Satanic Majesty has not only gotten a firm hold on him, but the watery elements have him practically submerged. He’s damned if he does, and he’s damned if he doesn’t, and carrying water on both shoulders is a small task compared to naming a rate that will be satisfactory to all concerned.”

“No male correctional officer has ever been asked to meet his lieutenant at a nearby bar or apartment, nor has he been faced with the innuendo that rejection of advances will have an impact on future assignments and promotions. The repercussions for a female correctional officer in a similar situation are literally that she’s damned if she does, and she’s damned if she doesn’t.”

“Society has mixed messages for the divorced mother who tries to keep a job when she has young children. She’s damned if she does, and she’s damned if she doesn’t.”

CEFR level