Meaning
"Can’t have your cake and eat it too"とは、あるものを保持しながら同時にそれを消費することはできない、つまり二律背反の状態を表す英語の表現です。この表現は、何かを手に入れながらそれを一度に享受することは不可能であるという意味を持っています。
例えば、時間やリソースが限られている状況で、「すべてを手に入れることはできない」といった意味で使用されます。具体的には、貯金をしながら同時に多くの買い物を楽しむことはできない、といった場面で使われることがあります。このように、どちらか一方を選ばなければならない状況を説明する際に便利な表現です。
このフレーズは、「欲張りすぎて両方を得ることはできない」という戒めとしても使われることがあります。何かを選択するときに、その選択が他の選択肢を犠牲にすることを意味する場合に、"Can’t have your cake and eat it too"というフレーズを使うことで、より明確にその状況を伝えることができます。
Example
She thought she could be married and have a boyfriend on the side. To all the cheaters I say, you can't have your cake and eat it too.
You hate paying taxes but then complain about the services that your taxes pay for. Can't have your cake and eat it too!
I wish I could eat whatever I want but never gain weight. Why can't I have my cake and eat it too?
Music Idioms - Can't have your cake and eat it too
See how idioms can be applied to out everyday conversations and even song lyrics too.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
