Well the idea of being between scylla and charybdis was the ancient greek version of being caught between a rock and a hard place. scylla was a sea serpent that killed many men in the odyssey, and charybdis was the name of the whirlpool that eventually sunk his ship.
In this context, you're getting caught between the negativity that comes with being boring and dull, and the skepticism that comes with telling big lies to appear exciting. The implication is that if you want to appear exciting or interesting, BE exciting or interesting.
This phrase is a metaphor from Greek mythology referring to the dilemma of having to choose between two undesirable situations. The "Scylla of dullness" represents the risk of boredom or monotony, while the "Charybdis of mendacity" represents the danger of deceit or dishonesty. It suggests being caught between two unappealing options where one must choose the lesser of two evils.
The phrase "caught between Scylla and Charybdis" refers to being faced with two equally dangerous or perilous situations, where navigating one could lead to encountering the other. It comes from Greek mythology, where Scylla was a sea monster and Charybdis a whirlpool, and sailors had to choose between them, often leading to disaster regardless of their choice. Today, it is used to describe a situation where one must choose between two undesirable options.
scylla
The saying "between a rock and a hard place" originated from the Greek mythological episode of Scylla and Charybdis. It refers to being stuck between two equally difficult or dangerous situations with no clear way to escape.
Scylla and Charybdis are both Greek monsters. They both killed travelers. Scylla ate travelers and Charybdis drowned them by making whirlpools.
In Greek mythology, Charybdis and Scylla are not friends; in fact, they are adversaries. They are two sea monsters who are often depicted as being in close proximity to each other, creating a dangerous passage for ships to navigate. Sailors had to choose between facing Charybdis' powerful whirlpool or Scylla's deadly rock formations.
He chooses Scylla over charybdis because if they go to charybdis they would all die, but if they go to Scylla only six would die because Scylla has six heads and six mouths to eat with.
Odysseus chooses to pass by Scylla because, Scylla will only kill 6 men, one for each head. Charybdis will sink the ship, killing everyone. Circe has also advised Odysseus to do choose Scylla. Further, Charybdis is a visible danger, and Odysseus uses Charybdis to encourage his men to pass by quickly. Finally, passing by Scylla and Charybdis is given as the only way for Odysseus to get home from where he is.
charybdis a swirling whirlpool
Circe
He plugged the sirens ears and avoided the Charybdis
Charybdis was one of two guardians of an ocean. Scylla was her sister, and the other guardian.
scylla