between two stools

English

Etymology

From an old proverb, "Between two stools, one falls to the ground", which dates from 1390. This, in turn, is most likely a translation of the medieval Latin proverb labitur enitens sellis herere duabus ("he falls trying to sit on two seats").

Phrase

between two stools

1. Not fitting neatly into either of two categories or positions.
   • 1967, Walter Hugins, Jacksonian Democracy and the Working Class:

     Accusing the opposition of attempting to "sit between two stools," he further explained: We will unite with no party, as a party -- and with individuals of all parties, if we believe them to be sincerely the friends of the people.

   • 1996, Alan Leo, Astrology for All, page 168:

     There are many obstacles to the attainment of position, these being largely caused by clergymen or lawyers; moreover, the native is sometimes apt to come to grief “between two stools,” or from want of decision in professional or business matters, while secret enemies injure the position, though the marriage partner benefits it.

   • 2011, Dixon Denham, Hugh Clapperton, Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa:

     Sleep, however, was my only refreshment: I was as it were between two stools; one of my friends did not think it necessary, and the other never intended, to send me any supper.

   • 2011, Richard K. Betts, American Force:

     Military leaders become nervous about being sucked into combat with limits and provisos typical of political compromises in a democracy, but which risk leaving their effort between two stools: too much to avoid embroilment, but not enough to win.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see between,‎ two,‎ stool.

Derived terms

• fall between two stools
• caught between two stools