进退维谷 be in a dilemma, be caught in a difficult situation
Explanation
进退维谷，指的是进退两难的境地。无论是前进还是后退，都面临着困境，无法摆脱。比喻处境艰难，左右为难。
The idiom "jìn tuì wéi gǔ" describes a situation where one is in a dilemma. Whether moving forward or backward, one faces difficulties and cannot escape. It's used to describe a difficult situation where one is caught between two bad options.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，诸葛亮率领蜀军北伐，在祁山与司马懿大军对峙。蜀军粮草告急，而司马懿深沟高垒，坚壁清野，诸葛亮进退维谷。进军，则兵力不足，粮草不济；退兵，则前功尽弃，颜面尽失。诸葛亮思虑再三，决定采取声东击西之计，佯攻魏国其他城池，迷惑司马懿，以期寻找到破敌良策。最终，他成功地化解了危机。
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang led the Shu army in a northern campaign, facing off against Sima Yi's massive army at Qishan. The Shu army was running low on supplies, and Sima Yi employed a scorched-earth strategy, leaving Zhuge Liang in a difficult situation. To advance risked insufficient troops and provisions; to retreat meant abandoning past gains and losing face. After careful consideration, Zhuge Liang decided to use a feint attack on other Wei cities to distract Sima Yi, hoping to find a way to defeat him. In the end, he successfully resolved the crisis.
Usage
形容进退两难的处境。常用于口语或书面语。
It describes a situation where one is in a dilemma, unable to decide on a course of action. Commonly used in both spoken and written language.
Examples
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他进退维谷，不知该如何是好。
ta jintuiweigǔ,bu zhidao zenme gaihao shi hao.
He is in a dilemma and doesn't know what to do.
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面对突如其来的变故，他进退维谷，难以抉择。
mianduitu ruqilaide biangu,ta jintuiweigǔ,nanyi jueze
Faced with sudden changes, he is in a dilemma and finds it difficult to make a decision.