Pushmi-pullyu

Pronunciation: /ˈpʌʃmɪ- ˈpʌljə/

Pushmi-pullyu (noun)

  1. imaginary animal with two heads facing opposite directions.
  2. situation where two opposite actions or ideas happen at the same time.

Examples

  • The pushmi-pullyu amazed the children at the zoo.
  • A pushmi-pullyu is a rare sight in the animal kingdom.

Common collocations: mythical creature, two-headed beast, conflicting interests, tug of war, opposing forces