have it both ways

Idioms  

1. Achieve two mutually exclusive objectives, as in Bill wants to have it both ways—to enjoy Christmas at home and to travel with his friends. The related have it all means “to get everything one wants,” as in It's too bad we can't have it all—the wisdom of experience and the fresh enthusiasm of youth. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

This meant he could have it both ways.

From MarketWatch

What’s so impressive about Bi Gan’s excellent third feature is that he manages to have it both ways.

From Los Angeles Times

The tech giant is trying to have it both ways in regard to how its search business will fare.

From The Wall Street Journal

Google wants to have it both ways.

From The Wall Street Journal

I think a lot of comics try to have it both ways.

From Los Angeles Times