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Between Two Fires

What is between two fires?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Meaning Difficult situation with two sources of conflict[1]
Meaning Attacked from two sources or sides simultaneously[1]
Meaning Choose between two equally unpleasant or dangerous options[2]
Meaning No matter what is chosen, negative consequences follow[2]
Part of speech Idiom[2]

Between two fires is an idiom meaning a person is in a difficult situation with pressure or danger from two sides, or must choose between two undesirable options. [1]

Context

The idiom 'between two fires' describes a predicament where a person faces pressure or danger from two sides, or must pick between two equally unpleasant options [1]. It is used metaphorically, not literally [1]. The phrase is considered literary in English and is often grouped with similar idioms like 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' and 'between a rock and a hard place' [3]. A Russian equivalent is 'между двух огней,' which also conveys being between two equally serious evils or dangers [4].

Documented claims

  • The phrase is used metaphorically, not literally, in the cited dictionary and usage sources. [1]
  • It can be translated as 'caught in the crossfire.' [4]
  • It is considered 'literary' in English and is grouped with 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' and 'between a rock and a hard place.' [3]

Questions and answers

What does 'between two fires' mean?

It means being in a difficult situation with pressure or danger from two sides, or having to choose between two undesirable options [1].

Is 'between two fires' used literally?

No, it is used metaphorically in the cited sources [1].

What are similar idioms to 'between two fires'?

It is grouped with 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' and 'between a rock and a hard place' [3].

Sources

  1. between two fires | Meaning, Grammar Guide & Usage Examples | Ludwig.guru — ludwig.guru (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Between Two Fires in a sentence — translateen.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. entre deux feux - dictionnaire des expressions françaises - Expressio.fr — expressio.fr (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. What does the idiom 'to be between two fires' mean? - Answers — answers.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture