"have it both ways" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 两头都占
• 两全其美 (通常带否定或批评)

Definition

试图同时获得两个相反选择的好处，或想避免两者的坏处。常用于表达这通常是不可能或不公平的。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

常用于否定句或批评语气，指出某人想两全其美或兼得两种互相矛盾的好处。如：“你不能两头都占”。口语和书面语都常见。类似“鱼和熊掌不可兼得”。

Examples

You can't have it both ways: you must choose if you want to work or travel.

你不能**两头都占**：你必须选择工作还是旅行。

He wants to eat cake and lose weight. He can't have it both ways.

他想吃蛋糕又想减肥。他不能**两全其美**。

If you want to go out late, you can't have it both ways and also wake up early for work.

如果你想晚出去，又想早起上班，你不能**两头都占**。

"You want freedom, but you also want security. Sorry, you just can't have it both ways!"

"你既想要自由，又想要安全。对不起，你不能**两头都占**！"

Politicians often try to have it both ways when talking to different groups.

政客们经常在面对不同群体时想要**两头都占**。

Stop trying to have it both ways—life just doesn’t work like that.

别再想**两头都占**了——生活不是这样的。