caught in a bind

USAGE SUMMARY

'caught in a bind' is a correct phrase and is often used in written English.
It means to be in a difficult situation with no good solution. A good example of using this phrase in a sentence is: "The government was caught in a bind when it came to deciding between lowering taxes or raising salaries for public employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many are caught in a bind.

The New York Times

The travel photographer is thereby caught in a bind.

The New York Times - Magazine

The billionaire financier Tom Barrack was caught in a bind.

The New York Times

As long as the Republicans believe Obama isn't bluffing, they are caught in a bind.

The New Yorker

For their part, law enforcement and intelligence agencies are caught in a bind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Caught in a Bind For Ms. Grove, 59, keeping her genetic condition secret finally became impossible.

The New York Times

"That's where science, the marketplace, and patients are caught in a bind," Dr. Kessler said.

The New York Times

In fact, she found, the agency was caught in a bind.

The New York Times - Health

The advocates of a more densely enmeshed world seemed caught in a bind.

The New York Times

The Fed is caught in a bind, with inflation rising and growth perhaps slowing.

The New York Times

He said that German companies wanting to do business in China were caught in a bind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught in a bind" to describe situations where someone faces conflicting demands or limited options, particularly when the outcome is uncertain or unfavorable.

Common error

Avoid using "caught in a bind" for simple inconveniences. This phrase best describes situations with significant constraints and difficult choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught in a bind" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of a subject. It indicates that someone or something is in a difficult or constrained situation, often involving conflicting pressures or limited options. As Ludwig AI states, it means to be in a difficult situation with no good solution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "caught in a bind" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations characterized by difficulty, constraint, or conflicting pressures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies being in a challenging position without an easy resolution. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "between a rock and a hard place" and "in a difficult situation", offering nuanced alternatives for specific scenarios. When employing this phrase, consider the weight of the situation, reserving it for significant constraints rather than mere inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between a rock and a hard place

Evokes a sense of being trapped between two dangerous or difficult situations.

in a difficult situation

This is a more general term describing a state of hardship, without specifying the conflicting forces.

between the devil and the deep blue sea

Similar to 'rock and a hard place', emphasizing the danger on either side.

in a predicament

Implies a puzzling or troublesome situation from which escape is difficult.

in a dilemma

Specifically refers to a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.

in a tight spot

Implies a difficult situation that requires skillful handling to avoid negative consequences.

on the horns of a dilemma

More vivid way to describe being faced with two equally unpleasant choices.

in a quandary

Similar to 'predicament', but suggests more confusion or uncertainty.

in dire straits

Highlights the severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

up against it

Suggests facing significant obstacles or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "caught in a bind" in a sentence?

Use "caught in a bind" to describe a situation where someone is facing two or more difficult choices or constraints. For example, "The company was caught in a bind between increasing profits and maintaining ethical standards."

What's the difference between "between a rock and a hard place" and "caught in a bind"?

"Between a rock and a hard place" emphasizes the danger or unpleasantness of both options, while "caught in a bind" focuses on the constraints and difficult choices someone is facing.

What are some alternatives to saying "caught in a bind"?

You can use alternatives like "in a difficult situation", "in a predicament", or "in a dilemma" depending on the specific context.

Is "caught in a bind" formal or informal language?

"Caught in a bind" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news reporting and general conversation than in academic writing.