にっちもさっちもいかない

expression, i-adjective

stuck; in a bind; between a rock and a hard place

Describes a situation where one is completely stuck with no way out, often financially or in a dilemma. The expression is a fixed negative phrase; it is almost always used in the negative form にっちもさっちもいかない.

• 借しゃっ金きんが返かえせなくて、にっちもさっちもいかない状じょう態たいだ。

  I can't repay my debts and am completely stuck.

• 仕し事ごとも家か庭ていも問もん題だいだらけで、にっちもさっちもいかない。

  With problems both at work and at home, I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.