Sophie's choice

Definition

A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.

Etymology

From the title of the book Sophie's Choice (1979), by William Styron, in which a mother is forced to decide which of her children will die.

Example Sentences

• "As things turned out, all the enemy missiles were destroyed in flight -- two were hit very early after launch by an airborne laser system -- and a Sophie's choice was averted.""
• "We've been given a Sophie's Choice,' said Senate Minority Leader Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton. 'We can improperly care for some children vs. improperly care for other children.'"