to be unable to decide which of two things to do because either could have bad results.
How can we decide which hospital to close? We are on the horns of a dilemma.
idiombe on the horns of a dilemmato not know which of two choices to make, because both seem very difficult or unpleasant:The new government finds itself on the horns of a dilemma: it must stop the producing cocaine, but it needs the large amounts of money created by the drugs industry.
Note This idiom comes from the idea that an angry bull will throw you, whichever horn you try to hold onto.
be on the horns of a dilemma
To struggle to choose between two problematic or unappealing options. I'm really on the horns of a dilemma here: do I say no to this great job opportunity, or do I accept it and move away from my family?