one's damned if one does, and one's damned if one doesn't

— To be between the Devil and the deep sea, is a simile oftimes quoted to describe distress, but Brother Stewart is not only between the Devil and the deep sea, but it would appear that his Satanic Majesty has not only gotten a firm hold on him, but the watery elements have him practically submerged. He’s damned if he does, and he’s damned if he doesn’t, and carrying water on both shoulders is a small task compared to naming a rate that will be satisfactory to all concerned.