To fail to secure either of two desired outcomes; to end up with nothing from two attempts or commitments due to a lack of proper support or foundation.
他想同时兼顾学业和高强度兼职，结果时间精力分散，学业受影响，兼职也没做好，真是扁担脱，两头虚。
He tried to balance both his studies and an intensive part-time job simultaneously. As a result, his time and energy were spread thin, his studies were affected, and he didn't do well in his part-time job either, truly losing out on both ends.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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