1. To benefit or profit from two or more separate and often contradictory or incompatible things or sources. The CEO buttered her bread on both sides, secretly investing in oil companies while publicly backing green energy initiatives to gain popular support.

2. To live comfortably, especially wastefully or in lavish, indulgent excess. The duke was accused of buttering his bread on both sides, adorning every inch of his home in gold and jewels and holding feasts far too large for the people who attended them.