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In a quandary

    Definitions

      • feeling uncertain or perplexed
        Expressing a state of uncertainty or confusion about a decision or situation

      • facing a difficult choice
        Describing a situation where one is confronted with a difficult decision and feeling unsure about which option to choose

    Examples of In a quandary

    • The committee was in a quandary over the decision to increase salaries or cut down on expenses.

      In this example, the committee is finding it difficult to choose between two conflicting options. They are unsure about which decision to make, as both choices have their own advantages and disadvantages.

    • Emma felt herself in a quandary when her boyfriend proposed, but she wasn't quite sure if she was ready to get married.

      In this example, the speaker is uncertain about what to do when presented with a difficult decision. Here, Emma has been presented with a proposal, but she is unsure if she is emotionally and mentally prepared to commit to marrying her partner.

    • The entrepreneur was in a quandary as she had to decide between expanding the business or investing in new products.

      This example illustrates a situation where someone is facing a difficult decision because there are two equally attractive options. The entrepreneur has to choose between expanding her existing business or investing in new products, both of which have their own benefits and drawbacks.

    • The sales manager was in a quandary following the unexpected cancellation of a major deal, leaving the company in a difficult financial position.

      In this example, the speaker is confused and uncertain about what to do in the face of an unfavorable circumstance. The sales manager is struggling to come up with a solution following the cancellation of a crucial deal, which has left the company in a difficult financial position.

    • The manager was in a quandary as to which employee to promote. There were two candidates with equally impressive resumes, making it difficult for the manager to decide.

      In this example, "in a quandary" is used to describe the state of being uncertain or uncertain about how to proceed in a particular situation.

    • The student felt completely in a quandary when she received a failing grade on her final exam. She had studied for weeks and was convinced she would ace the test, leaving her unsure of how to proceed after receiving such unexpected news.

      Here, "in a quandary" is used to illustrate the feeling of being uncertain or unsure about what to do next after receiving unexpected or unfavorable news.

    • The team was in a quandary as to whether to continue with their current strategy or switch to a new one. They had been struggling to achieve their goals and were unsure of which approach would be most effective.

      This example demonstrates the use of "in a quandary" to describe a situation where multiple options exist, but it is unclear which one is best.

    • The teacher found herself in a quandary when a student accused her of being unfair. She struggled to determine whether the student's complaint was justified or if there was some other explanation for the student's poor performance.

      In this example, "in a quandary" is used to describe the state of being uncertain or uncertain about how to respond to a challenging or unexpected situation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in a quandary" is used to convey a sense of uncertainty or confusion about a decision or situation. It can also indicate being faced with a difficult choice and feeling unsure about which option to choose. It is often used in conversations or writing to express feelings of perplexity and indecision.

    Origin of "In a quandary"

    The origin of the idiom "in a quandary" can be traced back to the Middle English word "quenedary," which meant "a state of perplexity or doubt." The word "quandary" itself originated from the Latin word "quandō," meaning "when." Over time, the term evolved to be used in English to describe a state of uncertainty or confusion. The idiom "in a quandary" likely emerged from this usage, becoming a common phrase to express feelings of perplexity or indecision. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday conversations, demonstrating its enduring relevance in the English language.