The phrase "told between" is typically spelled "torn between," which means to be uncertain or undecided between two options. The pronunciation of this phrase is transcribed as /tɔːn bɪˈtwiːn/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "t" sound is aspirated at the beginning of the word, and the "o" sound is pronounced as a long vowel. The "l" sound in "told" is often mistaken for an "r" sound, leading to the incorrect spelling "torn between."
The phrase "torn between" refers to a state of conflict or indecision experienced by an individual when faced with two or more conflicting options or choices. It implies being caught in a situation where one's desires or preferences are equally divided between two or more alternatives, making it challenging to make a decision or take a definitive stance.
When someone is "torn between," they may experience a range of emotional and cognitive dilemmas. This internal struggle could involve conflicting feelings, thoughts, or loyalties towards different options that are pulling them in opposite directions. The individual may feel a sense of frustration, anxiety, or even guilt as they struggle to choose between equally appealing or equally important choices.
In this state, the person may weigh the pros and cons, evaluate the consequences, consider their values or priorities, and seek external advice or guidance to help them reach a resolution. It is common for individuals to experience being torn between decisions concerning matters such as personal relationships, career choices, major life decisions, or even smaller mundane choices.
Being "torn between" signifies a pivotal moment where one's ability to make a clear, definitive choice becomes difficult due to the perceived equal weight or significance of all the available options. It highlights the complexities of decision-making and the challenges that arise when faced with conflicting desires or obligations.
The phrase "told between" does not have a specific etymology as it is not a well-established idiom or phrase. However, if you are referring to the phrase "torn between", which means being indecisive or conflicted, its etymology can be explored.
The etymology of "torn between" can be traced back to the verb "to tear" and the preposition "between". The word "tear" in this context does not refer to crying but has its root in Old English "teran", meaning to rend or pull apart. Over time, "tear" began to be used metaphorically to describe being pulled or divided between two opposing things or decisions.
The preposition "between" originated from Old English and is derived from the combining of the roots "be-" and "twēonum", meaning two.