Have your cake and eat it

usgb
idiom

To want more than is good or possible; trying to have two desirable things at the same time that are not possible to have together.

She wants to move out of her parents' home but still wants their financial support, she wants to have her cake and eat it.
Visual representation of "have your cake and eat it" - To want more than is good or possible; trying to have two desirable things at the same time that are not possible to have together

Often appears as...

  • trying to have your cake and eat it
  • can't have your cake and eat it too

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have your cake and eat it"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impossibility Emphasis

This phrase stresses the impossibility of having two conflicting desires met at the same time.

Illustration for Impossibility Emphasis
He wants a high-paying job without working hard; he's trying to have his cake and eat it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Unrealistic Expectations

Using this phrase suggests that someone's expectations are unrealistic or greedy.

Illustration for Unrealistic Expectations
You can't expect to party all night and still perform well on the test; you can't have your cake and eat it too.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Common Uses

It's often used to highlight someone's awareness of the need to make a choice.

Illustration for Common Uses
If you buy a house, you can't travel as much—you can't have your cake and eat it.
Visual representation of the word "Have your cake and eat it"

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