Phrase guide

Sophie's choice

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: Hobson's choice, Catch-22, dilemma, Morton's fork, no-win situation, quandary, Sophie's choice, ass in a sling, bind, bucket of syrup, calvary, cauldron, cross, cross to bear, difficulty, dire straits, doghouse, fix, hole, jam, kettle, kettle of fish, ordeal, pickle, pinch, plight, predicament, quagmire, situation, spot, spot of bother, sticky situation, sticky wicket, tight spot, trouble

Antonyms: none provided

History

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.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: Sofiina volba — choice where every alternative has significant negative consequences