Explaining "You cannot have your cake and eat it too"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 17/02/2025, 12:29

English.me team member

What does it mean?

You cannot have your cake and eat it too

The phrase means that one cannot possess something and consume it simultaneously. In other words, once you eat your cake, you no longer have it. It highlights the impossibility of having two conflicting desires fulfilled at the same time.

Tone

Advisory and cautionary, suggesting practicality and acceptance of limitations.

Origin

The expression dates back to at least the 16th century. One of the earliest known usages is found in a 1538 letter from Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. Over time, it has been used to illustrate the concept that one cannot retain possession of something after using it up.

Examples of usage

She wants to stay up late and be rested for work—you can't have your cake and eat it too.
They hoped to cut costs without losing quality, but you can't have your cake and eat it too.