--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What shall we do, what shall we do!” he…" description: "\"“What shall we do, what shall we do!” he cried. “Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves!” he said, and it became a proverb, though we now say “out of ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/807/j-r-r-tolkien-204_proverb_what-shall-we-do-what-shall-we-do-he-cri_3193651.jpg" --- # What shall we do, what shall we do!” he cried. “Escaping… ![“What shall we do, what shall we do!” he cried. “Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves!” he said, and it became a proverb, though we now say “out of the frying-pan into the fire” in the same sort of uncomfortable situations.” quote by J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/807/j-r-r-tolkien-204_proverb_what-shall-we-do-what-shall-we-do-he-cri_3193651.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/807/j-r-r-tolkien-204_proverb_what-shall-we-do-what-shall-we-do-he-cri_3193651.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/807/j-r-r-tolkien-204_proverb_what-shall-we-do-what-shall-we-do-he-cri_3193651.jpg) > ““What shall we do, what shall we do!” he cried. “Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves!” he said, and it became a proverb, though we now say “out of the frying-pan into the fire” in the same sort of uncomfortable situations.”” [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Escaping one danger can lead directly into a greater one, illustrating the perils of hasty decisions. **In simple terms:** Avoid swapping one problem for a worse. Key Takeaway Think before fleeing a danger. Themes risk decision‑making consequences Mood cautionary thought‑provoking Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - career change - financial crisis - relationship conflict - emergency response Key Concepts danger escalation proverbial wisdom storytelling Questions to Reflect On - When is a quick escape justified? - How to assess the next risk? 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