Scylla

American  

[sil-uh] / ˈsɪl ə /

noun

1. Modern Name Scilla.  a rock in the Strait of Messina off the S coast of Italy.

2. Classical Mythology. a sea nymph who was transformed into a sea monster: later identified with the rock Scylla.

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idioms

1. between Scylla and Charybdis, between two equally perilous alternatives, neither of which can be passed without encountering and probably falling victim to the other.

Scylla British  

/ ˈsɪlə /

noun

1. Greek myth a sea nymph transformed into a sea monster believed to drown sailors navigating the Strait of Messina. She was identified with a rock off the Italian coast Compare Charybdis

2. in a predicament in which avoidance of either of two dangers means exposure to the other

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Scylla More Idioms  

1. see between a rock and a hard place (Scylla and Charybdis).

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Scylla

Without any winking irony or condescension to our ancient forebears in storytelling, the writer-director aims to rekindle our fascination with these oft-told tales: the Trojan Horse, the Sirens’ song, Scylla and Charybdis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

He is of course, referring to Homer's epic poem that follows the travels of Odysseus and his crew, who faced perils such a the monster Scylla and giant whirlpool Charybdis.

From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2024

Mandatory infringement works to place competitors between Scylla and Charybdis, forcing them out of the market and thereby harming consumers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2022

I don’t expect you to say “between Scylla and Charybdis” but could you please say “between a rock and a whirlpool” instead?

From Seattle Times ● May 1, 2022

Scylla had somehow caught me by the knapsack, and was lifting me up toward her lair.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan