expression, noun
last resort; desperate measure
A plan or action taken out of desperation when no good options remain. Often implies a painful or self-sacrificing choice. Used in serious or dramatic contexts.
値下げは苦肉の策だったが、売り上げは伸びなかった。
The price cut was a desperate measure, but sales didn't increase.
彼が辞任を申し出たのは、会社を守るための苦肉の策だった。
His offer to resign was a last resort to protect the company.