Here's a breakdown:
* Conundrum: A perplexing problem or question. It suggests a puzzle with a logical solution, but one that is difficult to figure out.
* Enigma: A mysterious or puzzling thing. This implies something that is inherently baffling, with no clear solution or explanation.
By wrapping a conundrum in an enigma, the phrase suggests a situation that is not only difficult to understand but also incredibly hard to unravel. It's like a puzzle inside another puzzle, making it even more challenging to solve.
Think of it like this:
* Conundrum: You're trying to figure out a complex mathematical equation.
* Enigma: The equation is written in a language you don't understand, making it even harder to solve.
The phrase highlights the layered complexity of the situation, leaving the listener or reader with a sense of bewilderment and intrigue.