If you cannot make up you mind which of two things to do, you are liable to
get yourself into difficulties by doing neither. If a car comes suddenly round
the corner and you cannot decide which way to jump, the car will hit you,
particularly if the driver is suffering from a similar indecision!

> Dr Brewer explained that the allusion is to a practical joke (called
Ambassador’) played on greenhorns at see. ‘A tub full of water is placed
between two stools, and the whole being covered with a green cloth, a sailor
sits on each stool, to keep the cloth tight. Two sailors represent Neptune and
Amphitrite, and the greenhorn, as ambassador, is introduced to the majesties.
He is given the seat of honour between them; but no sooner does he take his
seat than the two sailors rise and the greenhorn falls into the tub, amidst
the laughter of the whole crew.’

##### See also:

* If you run after two hares you will catch neither