“Zwischen Baum und Borke” literally means: between the tree and its bark. While Germans can be stuck there, the English would rather be stuck between a rock and a hard place. [Those of you who subscribe to this blog will know that I love those relics of trees; they were photographed in the same area as the two most recent Watching the Game posts.]
empire of lights 
Between the tree and its bark —
Wonderful images! Inspires me to at least think about what would illustrate Between a rock and a hard place —
Judith, I am always truly happy to inspire – and thank you for commenting!