How Do You Spell BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND DEEP BLUE SEA?

Pronunciation: [bɪtwˌiːn ðə dˈɛvə͡l and dˈiːp blˈuː sˈiː] (IPA)

The phrase "between the devil and deep blue sea" means a difficult choice between two undesirable options. The spelling of the word "between" is /bəˈtwiːn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stressed syllable is /twiːn/, which is pronounced with a long "ee" sound. The word "devil" is spelled /ˈdevəl/ and the stressed syllable is on the first syllable. The word "deep" is spelled /diːp/ with the stressed syllable on the second syllable. "Blue" is pronounced /bluː/ with the long "oo" sound and "-sea" is spelled as /siː/.

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND DEEP BLUE SEA Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "between the devil and the deep blue sea" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to being faced with two equally undesirable or difficult choices. It conveys the sense of being caught in a dilemma or predicament where neither option is particularly favorable.

   The origin of the phrase dates back to maritime terminology. In older navigation practices, sailors would often use the term "devil" to refer to the seam between the deck planks, which was known to be treacherous and dangerous. On the contrary, the "deep blue sea" represents the vast and unpredictable ocean.

   Metaphorically, being "between the devil and the deep blue sea" implies finding oneself in a situation akin to standing on a ship's deck with the devil lurking beneath and the vast sea ahead. The phrase encapsulates the feeling of being trapped or forced to make a difficult decision where both alternatives seem equally challenging or dangerous.

   It is worth noting that this expression is predominantly used in English-speaking countries and is not limited to only maritime contexts. It serves as a vivid way to convey the notion of being caught between two undesirable options, often emphasizing the dilemma's challenging nature and the difficulty of finding a way out.

Common Misspellings for BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND DEEP BLUE SEA

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