進すすむも地じ獄ごく退しりぞくも地じ獄ごく
Meanings
Expression
1. between the devil and the deep blue sea; (lit.) both advancing and retreating are hell
Kanji used
advance
ground
prison
retreat
Composed of
to advance (spatially); to go forward; to precede; to go ahead (of); to make progress; to move ahead (e.g. of work); to intensify
hell realm; Naraka; Hell; hell; misery; place where a volcano or hot springs constantly spew smoke or steam
to step back; to move back; to withdraw (from the presence of a superior); to leave; to resign; to retire