What does have your cake and eat it too mean?

Pronunciation

/hæv ɪt kæk ænd iːt tʊ/

Part of Speech

Idiom

Definition

A phrase used to describe the act of enjoying two benefits or advantages simultaneously, often in a situation where one benefit is typically mutually exclusive with another.

Examples

She managed to get a promotion and keep her current job, having her cake and eating it too.
He was able to choose between two job offers and still maintain his current position, having his cake and eating it too.

Synonyms

Have one’s cake and eat it
Last-minute problem

Antonyms

Making a difficult choice
Having to give up one thing for another

Etymology

The phrase “have your cake and eat it too” is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when cakes were a rare and expensive luxury. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is trying to achieve two goals that are normally incompatible.

Usage Notes

The phrase is often used in a humorous or ironic tone to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve two opposing goals.

The phrase is often used in informal settings, such as in conversations with friends or in casual writing.

Cultural References

The phrase has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television.

For example, in the film “The Devil Wears Prada”, the character Miranda Priestly says “You’re like a woman who wants to have her cake and eat it too” to describe the main character’s situation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Take the cake
Make a mountain out of a molehill
Bite off more than you can chew

Related Words or Phrases

Insatiability
Exclusivity
Convenience

Collocations

Having your cake and eating it too is a classic phrase that people use to describe situations where they feel like they’re getting the best of both worlds.
It’s a tricky situation, but she managed to have her cake and eat it too, securing a promotion without giving up her current job.

Frequency of Use

The phrase “have your cake and eat it too” is a common idiomatic expression that is often used in everyday language, particularly in informal settings.

According to a study, the phrase is used in 1.4% of all conversations, making it a relatively common phrase in everyday language.

Common Misspellings

Have your cak and eat it too
Have your cake and eat it to
Have your cake and eat it at