Quandary

ˈkwɒndəri

noun

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation

The word 'quandary' originated in the late 16th century and is thought to come from the Latin word 'quandō', meaning 'when'. It is used to describe a situation where someone is faced with a difficult decision or choice and is unsure of what action to take.

But that was a quandary for another day.

George R. R. Martin

A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five

What a quandary!

Asimov, Isaac

Foundation 1 - Foundation

You see, having said that if Meg married “that Brooke” she shouldn’t have a cent of her money, Aunt March was rather in a quandary, when time had appeased her wrath and made her repent her vow.

Louisa May Alcott

Little Women

Mr Bloom, availing himself of the right of free speech, he having just a bowing acquaintance with the language in dispute though, to be sure, rather in a quandary over voglio, remarked to his protégé in an audible tone of voice, apropos of the battle royal in the street which was still raging fast and furious: ―A beautiful language.

James Joyce

Ulysses

It was a quandary, which eventually we tried to solve by sending thirty men to check the enemy patrol gradually; and, if possible, to draw them lightly aside into the broken hills.

T. E. Lawrence

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

His quandary was akin to the one they had experienced when they had confronted the fact of Muad’Dib.

Frank Herbert

God Emperor of Dune

You may have noticed.” “What I noticed was that he brought no hostages.” “I noticed that as well.” “What do you mean to do about it?” “It is a quandary.” Lord Roose found an empty cup, wiped it out on the tablecloth, and filled it from a flagon.

Martin, George, R. R.

A Dance With Dragons

Enemies attacked us by night and put us in a great quandary, but the people of the island say they came off safe and victorious by the might of my arm; and may God give them as much health as there’s truth in what they say.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Don Quixote