you can't have your cake and eat it


have (one's) cake and eat it (too)

To have or do two things that one desires that are normally contradictory or impossible to have or do simultaneously. Because "have" can also mean "eat," this expression may seem redundant. However, it is based on the meaning of "have" as "to possess," i.e., to maintain possession of one's cake while still eating it, an obvious impossibility. You're never going to save enough money to buy a house if you keep buying expensive appliances and cars. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. Too many people want to have their cake and eat it, demanding all sorts of social benefits from the government but being unwilling to pay any taxes to fund them.See also: and, cake, eat, have

you can't have your cake and eat it

you can't enjoy both of two desirable but mutually exclusive alternatives. proverbSee also: and, cake, eat, have