1
general::
Phrase(s): have it both ways
to have both of two incompatible things. • John wants the security of marriage and the freedom of being single. He wants to have it both ways. • John thinks he can have it both ways—the wisdom of old age and the vigor of youth.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
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]
American Heritage Idioms