Skip to main content
Store
Dictionary
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Store
Books
Regional
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Beanies
Halloween
Request a product
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
The Latin phrase "incidit in scyllam, cupiens vitare charybdim" comes from Greek mythology in the story of Odysseus known also as Ulysses. Scylla and Charybdis were rocks on either side of a narrow inlet. The phrase means trying to avoid Charybdis one founders on Scylla. It represents the idea of having to choose between two evils and has the force of being "on the horns of a dilemma," "between the devil and the deep blue sea."
Text fits
Save
Cancel