double bind

1. N-COUNT If you are in a double bind, you are in a very difficult situation, because whatever decision you make will have bad results. 进退两难的处境[usu sing]

Women are caught in a double bind, marginalized in the community if they are not wives and mothers, under excessive pressure to be perfect if they are. 妇女们处于进退两难的境地：若不结婚生子会被社会边缘化，但要两全其美则压力重重。