両りょう天てん秤びんにかける

expression, ichidan verb

try to have it both ways; play a double game

Idiomatic expression meaning to try to get the best of two options at once, often with a negative connotation of opportunism or hedging bets.

See also: 天秤にかける

• 彼かれはいつも両りょう天てん秤びんにかけて、どちらが得とくか考かんがえている。

  He always tries to have it both ways, thinking about which is more profitable.

• そんなに両りょう天てん秤びんにかけるような態たい度どでは、どちらからも信しん用ようされないよ。

  With an attitude like that of trying to play both sides, you won't be trusted by either.