Meaning of Have your cake and eat it too | Idioms & Phrases (2024)

Example

He wants to have his cake and eat it too by keeping his job and starting his own business.

Example

She managed to have her cake and eat it too by traveling the world while still maintaining a successful career.

Example

The company offered a flexible work schedule, allowing employees to have their cake and eat it too by having a good work-life balance

• 1Career and Personal Life

  She managed to have her cake and eat it too by traveling the world while still maintaining a successful career.

• 2Work-Life Balance

  See Also

  What Does Have Your Cake and Eat It Too Mean?The Meaning and Origin of ‘You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It’You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat it Too (Meaning, Origin, Examples) | GrammarBrainSo Why Can't You Have Your Cake and Eat It Too? Semantics, Really

  The company offered a flexible work schedule, allowing employees to have their cake and eat it too by having a good work-life balance.

• 3Relationships

  He wants to have his cake and eat it too by dating multiple people without committing to any of them.

Where does the phrase “Have your cake and eat it too” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have your cake and eat it too" dates back to the 16th century. The original form of the phrase was 'eat your cake and have it too,' which means to consume your cake and still possess it afterwards. Over time, the order of the words was reversed, but the meaning remained the same.

Is “Have your cake and eat it too” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have your cake and eat it too" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the desire for contradictory or unrealistic outcomes, or to criticize someone for wanting to have it all without making any sacrifices.

What tone does “Have your cake and eat it too” have?

"Have your cake and eat it too" conveys a tone of criticism or skepticism. It's often used to point out the unrealistic expectations or desires of someone who wants to enjoy all the benefits without any drawbacks.

Can “Have your cake and eat it too” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have your cake and eat it too" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of wanting contradictory or unrealistic outcomes. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He wants to have his cake and eat it too by keeping his job and starting his own business.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "have your cake and eat it too"!' to imply the desire for something unrealistic.