行くも地獄 引くも地獄

English translation: Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

21:10 Aug 4, 2010
Japanese to English translations [Non-PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Japanese term or phrase: 行くも地獄 引くも地獄
Is there any established English saying for this Japanese phrase? It doesn't make much sense to translate this literally, and if there is no English equivalent I don't necessarily have to use a "saying"... but if there is one, it would be nice to use it. Thanks in advance!
Yuki Mandelbaum (X)
United States
Local time: 09:19
English translation:Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Explanation:
If an exact literal translation is not required, then this phrase seems rather helpful.

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Note added at 1 hr (2010-08-04 23:05:11 GMT)
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Of course, the phrase in your example is "Going is hell, withdrawing is hell," but I think in many contexts this should be applicable.
Selected response from:

Ryan Layman
Local time: 01:19
Grading comment
Thank you!! The phrase fits so nicely in the context I have.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Ryan Layman


  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.


Explanation:
If an exact literal translation is not required, then this phrase seems rather helpful.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2010-08-04 23:05:11 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Of course, the phrase in your example is "Going is hell, withdrawing is hell," but I think in many contexts this should be applicable.

Ryan Layman
Local time: 01:19
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
Grading comment
Thank you!! The phrase fits so nicely in the context I have.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  seika
7 hrs

agree  ymmoss
15 hrs
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