Scylla

[ sil-uh ]

noun

1. Modern_name Scilla. a rock in the Strait of Messina off the S coast of Italy.
2. Classical Mythology. a sea nymph who was transformed into a sea monster: later identified with the rock Scylla. Compare Charybdis ( def 2 ).

Scylla

/ ˈsɪlə /

noun

1. Greek myth a sea nymph transformed into a sea monster believed to drown sailors navigating the Strait of Messina. She was identified with a rock off the Italian coast Compare Charybdis
2. between Scylla and Charybdis
   in a predicament in which avoidance of either of two dangers means exposure to the other

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. between Scylla and Charybdis, between two equally perilous alternatives, neither of which can be passed without encountering and probably falling victim to the other.

More idioms and phrases containing Scylla

see between a rock and a hard place (Scylla and Charybdis) .

Example Sentences

He is of course, referring to Homer's epic poem that follows the travels of Odysseus and his crew, who faced perils such a the monster Scylla and giant whirlpool Charybdis.

From Salon

A notable exception is “Scylla & Charybdis,” mythic sea monsters represented here by two carved chunks of alabaster, one milky and the other glassy.

From Washington Post

For many long minutes, those covering the show in real time were trapped between the Scylla and Charybdis of congratulatory awe and potentially backlash-provoking faux pas.

From Los Angeles Times

Mandatory infringement works to place competitors between Scylla and Charybdis, forcing them out of the market and thereby harming consumers.

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t expect you to say “between Scylla and Charybdis” but could you please say “between a rock and a whirlpool” instead?

From Seattle Times