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

The report seems to want to have it both ways: Deciding that institutional neutrality should be effectively instated at Yale, while allowing the university, at the same time and with deceptive accuracy, to dismiss accusations of institutional neutrality.

From Salon

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

When asked about ABC’s abrupt decision to “suspend” Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, the president tried to have it both ways in classic Trumpian fashion, strutting for his fans just a bit while also brushing off the question with obvious lies.

From Salon