"you have to choose one or the other; cannot have your cake..." When children are allowed to make choices, they learn that they can't have it both ways.
have it both ways
do two things, have both things You can
have it both ways
To booty two adverse positions or accomplishments simultaneously. Often acclimated in abrogating constructions to announce that such a affair is unrealistic or impossible. I apperceive you love ice cream, but you can't eat it every day and lose weight—you aloof can't accept it both ways.In ambitious that the country be able to set its own laws and bound controls but still absorb the allowances of the single-currency market, the prime abbot is aggravating to accept it both ways.Learn more: both, have, way
have it both ways
to accept both of two adverse things. John wants the aegis of alliance and the abandon of actuality single. He wants to accept it both ways.John thinks he can accept it both ways—the acumen of old age and the ability of youth.Learn more: both, have, way
have it both ways
Achieve two mutually absolute objectives, as in Bill wants to accept it both ways-to adore Christmas at home and to biking with his accompany . The accompanying have it all agency "to get aggregate one wants," as in It's too bad we can't accept it all-the acumen of acquaintance and the beginning activity of adolescence . [Early 1900s] Learn more: both, have, way
have it both ways
account from two adverse agency of cerebration or behaving. 1998New Scientist It is alone now alpha on the legislators that they cannot accept it both ways—that cleanliness and ecological affability are incompatible. Learn more: both, have, wayLearn more:
An have it both ways idiom dictionary is a great resource for writers, students, and anyone looking to expand their vocabulary. It contains a list of words with similar meanings with have it both ways, allowing users to choose the best word for their specific context.
Dictionary of similar words, Different wording, Synonyms, Idioms for Idiom, Proverb have it both ways