fǎntiēménshén
in a difficult position
- in a difficult position
- An allegorical expression meaning to be caught in the middle or in a dilemma. It refers to the traditional portraits of door gods, which must face each other; if they are pasted in reverse, they face away from each other and are unable to perform their duties. Used to describe someone caught between two parties where neither side can be satisfied.
- at odds with each other
- (Mainland China) An allegorical expression meaning to be on bad terms or not on speaking terms. Because incorrectly pasted door gods face away from one another, it describes two people who are angry and refuse to look at or talk to each other.