in a cleft stick
介词短语
英文释义
介词短语
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In a difficult situation, unable to choose between unfavourable options; in a dilemma.
— Ha! I see. You have got me in a cleft stick.
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, cleft, stick.
— Hence when a Huichol woman is about to weave or embroider, her husband catches a large serpent and holds it in a cleft stick, while the woman strokes the reptile with one hand down the whole length of its back; …
词源
From the metaphor of being caught in a tight position, unable to move.
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数据来源: Wiktionary