進退窮まる

しんたいきわまる

to be driven into a corner; to be left with nowhere to turn; to be in a dilemma; to be unable to go forward or backward

Also written 進退きわまる、進退極まる、進退谷まる

Meaning

expv5r
to be driven into a corner; to be left with nowhere to turn; to be in a dilemma
expv5r
to be unable to go forward or backward; to be stranded; to get stuck

Example sentences

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、進退きわまる時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.