in a bind

in a bind or in a box  {adv. phr.},  {informal}

Likely to have trouble whether you do one thing or another.

Sam is in a bind because if he carries home his aunt's groceries, his teacher will be angry because he is late, and if he doesn't, his aunt will complain.

Compare:

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA,

HORNS OF A DILEMMA.