doomed if you do, doomed if you don't

phrase

A situation where either choice results in a negative outcome; dilemma.

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Meanings

phrasedoomed if you do, doomed if you don't (not comparable)
  1. idiomaticnot comparableA situation where either choice results in a negative outcome; dilemma.

Origin

Probably coined as a non-profane alternative to damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

doomed if you do, doomed if you don't. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/doomed%20if%20you%20do%2C%20doomed%20if%20you%20don't

MLA

“doomed if you do, doomed if you don't.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/doomed%20if%20you%20do%2C%20doomed%20if%20you%20don't. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “doomed if you do, doomed if you don't,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/doomed%20if%20you%20do%2C%20doomed%20if%20you%20don't.

Source: doomed if you do, doomed if you don't on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.