Translation guide
The English idiom 'try to have it both ways' describes attempting to enjoy the benefits of two contradictory options or positions. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through set phrases, proverbs, and descriptive language rather than a single direct equivalent.
Expressing that someone is trying to gain advantages from two mutually exclusive situations, often in a critical or admonishing tone.
Literally 'trying to take only the good parts'. This is a very common and natural way to describe someone trying to have it both ways, focusing on selfishly selecting benefits.
彼はいつもいいとこ取りをしようとする。
He always tries to have it both ways.
そんなのいいとこ取りだよ。
That's just trying to have it both ways.
Criticizing someone for maintaining two conflicting opinions or behaviors to suit their convenience.
Means 'being contradictory'. Often used when someone's words or actions are inconsistent, which is a core aspect of trying to have it both ways.
彼の言っていることは矛盾している。
What he's saying is contradictory (he's trying to have it both ways).
「いいとこ取り」 focuses on selfishly taking only the benefits, while 「二兎を追う」 emphasizes the foolishness of pursuing two incompatible goals. Use the former for criticizing someone's attitude, and the latter for warning about the consequences.
彼の提案はいいとこ取りだ。
His proposal is just trying to have it both ways (taking only the good parts).
二兎を追うな。
Don't try to have it both ways (you'll fail at both).
Do not translate 'try to have it both ways' literally as 「両方の方法を持とうとする」. This sounds unnatural and does not convey the idiomatic meaning. Use the phrases provided instead.
From the proverb '二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず' (If you run after two hares, you will catch neither). Often used in its shortened form to criticize someone for trying to achieve two incompatible goals.
二兎を追うようなことをしていると、どちらも失敗するよ。
If you try to have it both ways, you'll fail at both.
A more explicit version of 'いいとこ取り', meaning 'trying to take the good points of both'. Slightly more formal and descriptive.
彼女は両方のいいところを取ろうとして、結局どちらも失った。
She tried to have it both ways and ended up losing both.
A proverb meaning 'if you stand up for one, the other won't stand'. It describes a situation where satisfying one side makes the other impossible, similar to having to choose between two incompatible things.
あちらを立てればこちらが立たずで、難しい選択だ。
It's a situation where you can't have it both ways; it's a tough choice.
Means 'to behave in a way that suits one's convenience'. Captures the selfish, opportunistic side of trying to have it both ways.
彼はいつも都合のいいように振る舞う。
He always acts in his own self-interest, trying to have it both ways.