# doomed if you do, doomed if you don't

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/doomed-if-you-do-doomed-if-you-dont
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A situation where either choice results in a negative outcome; dilemma.

## Origin

Probably coined as a non-profane alternative to the expression *damned if you do, damned if you don't*. No specific date of origin or individual author is recorded for the substitution of the adjective. (disputed)

---

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.