Have your cake and eat it too Meaning and Definition
Have your cake and eat it too
Pronunciation
/həv jor kĕk și ēt īt tuː/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic expression
Definition
A proverbial phrase that means to enjoy two desirable things at the same time, often in a way that is impossible or conflicts with one’s values.
Examples
- I love my job and my freedom, but I guess I’ll never have my cake and eat it too.
- She wants to start a family immediately, but she’s also determined to have a successful career – it seems like she wants to have her cake and eat it too.
Synonyms
- Having one’s cake and eating it
- Enjoying both sides of the coin
Etymology
The phrase’s origins can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was first used to describe the idea of enjoying a sweet treat and then devouring it simultaneously.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used to convey the idea of sacrificing one thing for another, but not always.
Cultural References
The phrase has been referenced in various books, films, and songs throughout history. A notable example is the song “Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too” by Cake in 1996.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Having one’s cake and eating it
- Enjoying both sides of the coin
- Biting off more than one can chew
Related Words or Phrases
- Joy and fulfillment
- Prioritization
- Sacrifice
Collocations
- Wanting the best of both worlds
- Having it all
- Enjoying life without compromise
Frequency of Use
This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and is a popular idiom in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Have your cake and eat too
- Have your cake and eat it tooo