Betwixt and Between

The word betwixt makes this idiom redundant as betwixt is another way of saying between. Betwixt has been used in English since the 1500s. It is still heard today, if only in a poetic sense, but it chiefly survives in the present idiom, betwixt and between.

Meaning of Idiom ‘Betwixt and Between’

To be betwixt and between means to be undecided or to be caught between two alternatives, positions, or ideas; in the middle or midway beween two alternatives; undetermined. ¹,²,³,⁴

Betwixt and between can also mean to be between different people or things. ⁵

Sentence Examples

“I’m betwixt and between accepting the new job offer or staying where I am.”

“Back then I was betwixt and between staying in school or devoting myself full-time to music.”

“I sat betwixt and between the boss and his wife, which was kind of strange. Apparently, they are having trouble.”

“Like I said, we’re a little betwixt in-between on how to go forward here. We’d be happy to take your lead on it.” — The X Files: Synchrony (1997)

“It can duplicate any laugh from a giggle to a guffaw and all the chortles and chuckles betwixt and between.” — Shoot a Crooked Arrow (1966)

“Our courageous colonel was on his way to the Alamo when two wagons broke down betwixt and between.” — Texas Rising: From the Ashes (2015)

“There’s laws on the books, and then there’s laws that folks live by and l’m sitting over here betwixt and between.” — Roots: The Next Generations: Episode #1.5 (1979)

Origin

The idiom betwixt and between was first recorded in print in 1832.

The fossil word betwixt is much older, having arisin from old English roots: betweox meaning between to middle English bitwixe. The ‘t’ appeared for no discernible reason after 1500 ⁶ similar to other words such as amidst, amongst, against (possibly due to an assocation with the superlative -st (i.e. worse – worst, harder – hardest).