1
general::
Phrase(s): no-win situation
a situation where there is no correct or satisfactory solution. • The general was too weak to fight and too proud to surrender. It was a no-win situation. • The huge dog my father gave us as a gift eats too much. If we get rid of the dog, my father will be insulted. If we keep it, we will go broke buying food for it. This is a classic nowin situation.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
A situation certain to end in failure or disappointment, as in If the in-laws visit them or they visit the in-laws, either way they see it as a no-win situation. [c. 1960]
American Heritage Idioms