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to have one's cake and eat it (too)
to have one's cake and eat it (too)
01
to desire to have two things that are impossible to have without sacrificing the other
![to [have] {one's} cake and eat it (too|) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44672/original/?type=jpeg "to [have] {one's} cake and eat it (too|) definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "have one's cake and eat it" and when to use it?
The phrase "have one's cake and eat it" is an idiom that is used to express the idea of wanting to have things both ways, which is often impossible. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 16th century, and its earlier form was "eat your cake and have it too."
Examples
He wants the freedom of freelancing and the security of a full-time job; he wants to have his cake and eat it too.
