COMMON

1. If you say that someone can't have it both ways, you mean that if they benefit from one good thing, there is another good thing they will not be able to benefit from. Countries cannot have it both ways: the cost of a cleaner environment may sometimes be fewer jobs in dirty industries. Note: You can also say that someone tries to have it both ways or wants to have it both ways. If you go into the big leagues, you've got to play by the rules of the game, but she's trying to have it both ways. Note: People sometimes say that someone has it both ways to say that they are successful in benefiting from two things. You can have it both ways. If you want company, hang around the pool area, and if you have had enough, head into the forest.

2. If you say that someone can't have it both ways, you mean that one thing they say or do shows that they are not sincere about another thing. Where's that patriotism when you've been sending all your money abroad? You can't have it both ways. Note: You can also say that someone tries to have it both ways or wants to have it both ways. He tries to have it both ways on international law, criticizing foreign governments who do not respect the law, but refusing to accept laws that damage his own country.