Sophie's choice

Noun

Sophie's choice (plural Sophie's choices)

1. A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.
   • As things turned out, all the enemy missiles were destroyed in flight -- two were hit very early after launch by an airborne laser system -- and a Sophie's choice was averted."2004 March 17, Bradley Graham, “Simulated Attacks Repelled In Antimissile War Game; U.S. Almost Exhausted Arsenal of Interceptors”, in Washington Post, page A03
   • We've been given a Sophie's Choice,' said Senate Minority Leader Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton. 'We can improperly care for some children vs. improperly care for other children.'2004 March 2, “Committees OK boost for KidCare; Panels vote for additional $25M”, in Tallahassee Democrat

   Synonyms:

   Hobson's choice, Catch-22, dilemma, Morton's fork, no-win situation, quandary, ass in a sling, bind, bucket of syrup, calvary