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About this quote

What does it mean?
This phrase mocks wanting incompatible things simultaneously.
In plain terms
Greed or unrealistic expectations.
What can you take from it?
You cannot have everything.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • negotiations
  • daily choices

Putting it to work

  • prioritizing
  • accepting trade-offs
  • planning

Questions to consider

  • What do you really want?
  • What are you willing to give up?

Another view

Sometimes compromises are possible.

More from John Heywood

  1. For when I gave you an inch, you took an ell.

    Permalink to quote #54

  2. Every man for himself and God for us all.

    Permalink to quote #56

  3. An ill wind that bloweth no man to good.

    Permalink to quote #53

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