Haircut dilemma
The school authorities were stymied. Public opinion had been
marshalled against them. No longer was it a simple case of 
disciplining two wayward lads. It had taken on the appearance of
a nightmare in which the principal was either hanged in effigy or
pictured in cartoons making a villainous swipe at two 
innocent Samsons. The principal would not allow the students flout
their authority with impunity. Members of school board concurred with 
the principal's
action but they were cognizant of the popular support to the boys. 
Clearly a compromise is called for to resolve the turbulent situation.

A bitter pill to swallow--It was a bitter pill for the famous billiard
player to be overwhelmed by the 12-year-old girl.
(a humiliating defeat)