# damned if one does and damned if one doesn't

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/damned-if-one-does-and-damned-if-one-doesnt
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Of a situation where either choice results in a negative outcome.

## Examples

- I am damned if I do and damned if I don't.
- If I speak up, I am rude, but if I stay silent, I am unhelpful; I am damned if I do and damned if I don't.
- Caught between the conflicting demands of his shareholders and his employees, the manager felt damned if he did and damned if he didn't.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.