"[have] it both ways" 的定义和意义

What is the origin of the idiom "have it both ways" and when to use it?

The idiom "have it both ways" originates from the desire to enjoy two mutually exclusive benefits or situations simultaneously. It reflects the impossibility of benefiting from two opposing options at the same time. It is used to describe a situation where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of two conflicting options or circumstances, often implying that such a desire is unrealistic or unreasonable.