Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
The phrase “between the devil and the deep blue sea” is a vivid idiom used to describe a situation where one is forced to choose between two equally unpleasant, dangerous, or undesirable alternatives. It signifies a no‑win scenario, a predicament where any decision made will likely result in negative consequences. The imagery evokes being trapped between a horrifying, immediate threat (the devil) and a vast, overwhelming, and potentially fatal one (the deep blue sea).
Origin of “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”
The phrase boasts a fascinating history, evolving from nautical language to a widely recognized idiom. Its earliest known appearance dates back to the 17th century. Robert Monro’s 1637 book, His Expedition with Worthy Scots Regiment Called Mac-Keyes, contains the phrase, though in a slightly different form: “I, with my partie, did lie on our poste, as betwixt the devill and the deep sea.” At the time, “deep sea” referred to the perilous area far from shore, where a ship was vulnerable to storms and enemy attacks. Sailors literally risked disaster from either direction.
However, the phrase gained significant popularity with the 1931 song of the same name, “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” penned by Ted Koehler and Harold Rome. Though the song’s context refers to a troubled romantic relationship, the idiom itself resonated far beyond the song’s narrative, becoming ingrained in the English lexicon. The song served as a powerful vehicle for disseminating the phrase and cementing its contemporary meaning.
Analysis of the Phrase in Literature
The power of “between the devil and the deep blue sea” lies in its ability to condense complex dilemmas into a single, easily understandable image. It is often employed when a character faces moral quandaries, difficult decisions with far‑reaching consequences, or situations where compromise is impossible. Its effectiveness stems from the universally understood symbolism of the “devil” representing immediate, tangible evil, and the “deep blue sea” representing the vastness of unknown dangers and uncontrollable forces.
Example #1: “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by Ted Koehler
I don’t want you,
But I’d hate to lose you,
You’ve got me in between
The devil and the deep blue sea.
I forgive you,
‘Cause I can’t forget you,
You’ve got me in between
The devil and the deep blue sea.
In Koehler’s song, the phrase does not refer to a literal physical danger but a psychological one. The singer is trapped between the pain of a destructive relationship (“the devil”) and the fear of being alone (“the deep blue sea”). The repetition emphasizes the inescapable nature of his predicament, highlighting the emotional turmoil he experiences.
Example #2: Sandwiched in Between Two Universes by Daniel Abdal Moore
Between birth and death, carbohydrates and cholesterol, love and its myriad unreliable opposites
And ultimately after all these millennia
Between the devil and the deep blue sea as always
And I shall take the deep blue sea any way.
Moore uses the phrase to reflect on the anxieties of modern life. The “devil” represents unhealthy, readily available processed foods, while the “deep blue sea” signifies the overwhelming uncertainties of existence. The poet chooses the “deep blue sea,” suggesting a preference for embracing the unknown over succumbing to immediate gratification, even if it means facing inherent risks. Here the phrase elevates the poem’s theme of existential choice.
Example #3: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Cheryl Mildenhall
Mildenhall’s novel directly employs the phrase as its title, establishing a central thematic concern. The protagonist, Hillary, finds herself torn between two potential romantic partners, creating a complex emotional landscape. The phrase accurately captures the feeling of being trapped by difficult choices, where selecting one path inevitably means losing the potential of another. The author skillfully uses the idiom to create tension and foreshadow the protagonist’s internal struggle.
Example #4: Phases of Human Development by Mona Caird
She can be placed, if her resistance grows desperate, between the devil and the deep sea: between the alternatives of submission in marriage to whatever may be required of her, injuries and insults if need be, or the surrender of her children, perhaps into hands that she regards, as of all others, the most unfit to train them.
Caird powerfully employs the phrase to expose the limited options available to women in Victorian society. The “devil” represents the oppressive demands and potential abuse within marriage, while the “deep blue sea” signifies the devastating loss of agency and maternal rights. The phrase emphasizes the dire consequences women faced if they dared to challenge societal norms, highlighting the injustice and lack of support they encountered.
Beyond Literature: Expanding the Understanding
The versatility of “between the devil and the deep blue sea” extends beyond literary analysis. It is frequently used in everyday conversation and journalistic writing to convey a sense of intractable difficulty. Here are a few illustrative examples:
- “Renee was in a fix; she could neither invite her friends to a party nor take them on a trip. She was truly between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
- “The teacher chastised Herman for not wearing a uniform. She said, ‘I don’t see that you are between the devil and the deep blue sea from your attire.’ She explained that the choices Herman was making were meaningless, and she gave him detention for the rest of the month.”
- “Paul truly does not know what is between the devil and the deep blue sea; without thinking, he makes a decision and acts on it without worrying about consequences.”
- “Monica was stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. If she traveled, she would catch the spreading virus. If she didn’t, she would lose a potential business client.”
- “Portia had to tell the truth to her friend when their car broke down. She forgot to fill the fuel, and now they were between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
Understanding the historical roots, literary applications, and broader contextual uses of “between the devil and the deep blue sea” provides a deeper appreciation for the power of language to encapsulate complex human experiences. It’s an idiom that continues to resonate because it reflects a universally recognized truth: sometimes, no matter what you choose, you are destined to face hardship.