Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.), Godan verb with 'ru' ending
to be driven into a corner; to be left with nowhere to turn; to be in a dilemma
家主に家賃を払えば、食物を買う金がなくなる。進退きわまったというところだ。If we pay the rent to the landlady, we won't have any money for food; we are between the devil and the deep blue sea. to be unable to go forward or backward; to be stranded; to get stuck
Also written 進退きわまる【しんたいきわまる】