lose both ways; fall between two stools
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to lose both ways; to fall between two stools; to end up with nothing
Describes a situation where one attempts to gain two benefits or please two parties, but ends up losing both or failing on all fronts. Often used to warn against indecision or trying to serve two incompatible goals.
Tā他
xiǎng想
liǎng两
biān边
tǎo讨
hǎo好
，
jié结
guǒ果
jī鸡
fēi飞
dàn蛋
dǎ打
，
liǎng两
tóu头
luò落
kōng空
。
He tried to please both sides, but ended up falling between two stools and losing everything.
Tóu投
zī资
shī失
bài败
，
yòu又
shī失
qù去
le了
gōng工
zuò作
，
zhēn真
shì是
jī鸡
fēi飞
dàn蛋
dǎ打
。
The investment failed and he lost his job too—it was a complete disaster where he lost on all fronts.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Rú如
guǒ果
bú不
rèn认
zhēn真
zhǔn准
bèi备
，
kǒng恐
pà怕
huì会
jī鸡
fēi飞
dàn蛋
dǎ打
，
yì一
wú无
suǒ所
huò获
。
If we don't prepare seriously, I'm afraid we'll end up with nothing and lose on all fronts.