be on the horns of a dilemma
US /bi ɑn ðə hɔrnz əv ə dɪˈlɛmə/
UK /bi ɑn ðə hɔrnz əv ə dɪˈlɛmə/
1.
to be in a situation in which you have to make a choice between two things, both of which are unpleasant or difficult
:
•
She found herself on the horns of a dilemma: either she missed her flight or she missed her sister's wedding.
•
The government was on the horns of a dilemma, facing public outcry no matter which decision it made.