Explaining "You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 15/10/2024, 16:05

English.me team member

What does it mean?

You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs

The phrase means that it is impossible to achieve something important or make significant progress without having to face some sacrifices or negative consequences.

Tone

Pragmatic

Origin

The phrase is attributed to François de Charette, a general in the French Royalist army during the 18th century, and it has been used in English since the late 19th century to convey that sacrifices may be needed to accomplish a goal.

Examples of usage

The proposed changes to the company will lead to some layoffs, but you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.
Expanding the highway will mean disrupting local communities, but sometimes you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.
She knew that pursuing her dream job might involve moving away and leaving her comfort zone, but you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.