horns of a dilemma

1 definition found

horns of a dilemma - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dilemma \Di*lem"ma\, n. [L. dilemma, Gr. ?; di- = di`s- twice +
     ? to take. See Lemma.]
     1. (Logic) An argument which presents an antagonist with two
        or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against
        him, whichever alternative he chooses.
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     Note: The following are instances of the dilemma. A young
           rhetorician applied to an old sophist to be taught the
           art of pleading, and bargained for a certain reward to
           be paid when he should gain a cause. The master sued
           for his reward, and the scholar endeavored to elude his
           claim by a dilemma. "If I gain my cause, I shall
           withhold your pay, because the judge's award will be
           against you; if I lose it, I may withhold it, because I
           shall not yet have gained a cause." "On the contrary,"
           says the master, "if you gain your cause, you must pay
           me, because you are to pay me when you gain a cause; if
           you lose it, you must pay me, because the judge will
           award it." --Johnson.
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     2. A state of things in which evils or obstacles present
        themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine
        what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or
        predicament; a difficult choice or position.
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              A strong dilemma in a desperate case!
              To act with infamy, or quit the place. --Swift.
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     Horns of a dilemma, alternatives, each of which is equally
        difficult of encountering.
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