进退两难 a dilemma
Explanation
指进退两难的境地，无法决定，难以行动。
Describes a situation where one must choose between two difficult options, each with negative consequences.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，一位名叫李白的著名诗人，正值壮年，才华横溢。一天，他收到两封信，一封是皇帝的邀请，邀请他入朝为官，另一封是好友的求助，好友家境贫寒，急需钱财。李白深陷进退两难的境地。入朝为官，能实现他诗书报国的理想，但又担心朝堂的尔虞我诈，会让他无法施展抱负。而帮助好友，则符合他的侠义精神，但他的囊中羞涩，实在无力帮助好友。他思来想去，最终决定，先帮助好友，而后再考虑是否入朝。他变卖了家中所有值钱的东西，帮助好友度过了难关。虽然没有入朝为官，但他帮助好友的义举，让他的侠义名声远扬，不失为一段佳话。
During the Tang Dynasty, a famous poet named Li Bai was in his prime, his talent overflowing. One day, he received two letters: one an invitation from the emperor to join the court, the other a plea for help from a friend in dire financial straits. Li Bai was caught in a difficult dilemma. Joining the court would fulfill his ambition to serve the country through poetry and scholarship, but he worried about court intrigue. Helping his friend would align with his chivalrous spirit, yet he had little money. After much deliberation, he decided to help his friend first, and then consider the court. He sold everything of value to help his friend overcome his difficulties. Although he didn't join the court, his generous act earned him great renown, cementing his reputation as a righteous man.
Usage
形容进退两难的处境，无法决定，难以行动。
To describe a difficult situation where one cannot decide which course of action to take because every possibility entails risks.
Examples
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他进退两难，不知如何是好。
ta jintuiliangnan,buzhi ruhe shi hao.
He was in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.
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公司面临进退两难的局面。
gongsi mianlin jintuiliangnan de ju mian.
The company is facing a difficult situation where moving forward or backward is difficult.