accentuate, between a rock and a hard place

The Workologist

If a Reference Can’t Accentuate the Positive

By ROB WALKER

Having agreed to be a reference for a former subordinate, a reader is caught between a rock and a hard place when the new potential employer asks specific and pointed questions.

accentuate

Line breaks: ac|cen¦tu|ate

Pronunciation: /əkˈsɛntʃʊeɪt

 

, -tjʊ-/

verb

[with object]

• Make more noticeable or prominent: his jacket unfortunately accentuated his paunch

  More example sentencesSynonyms

Origin

mid 18th century: from medieval Latin accentuat- 'accented', from the verb accentuare, from accentus 'tone' (see accent).

between a rock and a hard place

• informal Faced with two equally undesirable alternatives: the alternative was equally untenable—she was caught between a rock and a hard placeMore example sentences

• The army chief is certainly caught between a rock and a hard place.
• With the mayor and the police force all breathing down Harry's neck, Harry finds himself between a rock and a hard place.
• Rex to Miles: ‘My wife has me between a rock and a hard place.’