a hard place - When you have to pick between two awful things, and neither

When you have to pick between two awful things, and neither one makes you feel like you’re winning.

I had to choose between getting grounded or eating my math test. Both were a hard place.

I had to pick between eating my math test or getting chased by my dog. That was a hard place.

I had to choose between staying up all night or getting yelled at in the morning. Both were a hard place.