can’t have your cake and eat it too
You cannot enjoy two mutually exclusive benefits at the same time; you must choose between incompatible options.
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Idioms
carry the can
To take responsibility or blame for a failure or problem, often on behalf of others.
carry the day
To win or succeed in the end; to be victorious or have one’s side/argument prevail.
carry the torch
To keep loving or yearning for someone, often unrequited or after the relationship has ended.
cast the first stone
To be the first person to criticize or accuse someone, especially when you yourself are not faultless.
cat got your tongue
Used to tease or ask why someone is suddenly silent or unable to speak, especially when they would normally talk or should answer.
cat nap
A short, light sleep or brief doze, usually during the day.
catch a cold
To become ill with a common cold (often implying you got it from exposure or infection).
catch fire
To start burning; also, to suddenly become successful, popular, or exciting.
catch some z’s
To get some sleep; take a nap or go to bed.
catch someone red-handed
To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal, with clear evidence at that moment.
catch your breath
To stop briefly to recover normal breathing and regain composure after exertion, surprise, stress, or excitement.
catch-22
A no-win situation where a solution is blocked by a circular rule or contradictory conditions, so you can’t escape the problem.
caught between two stools
Stuck between two choices or positions and failing to achieve either; trying to do both and ending up with neither.
caught off guard
Surprised and unprepared for something unexpected.
cave in
To collapse inward; figuratively, to give in or yield to pressure or demands.
champing at the bit
To be impatient and eager to start doing something; barely able to wait.
change of heart
A shift in attitude, opinion, or intention, often from opposition to agreement or from one decision to another.
chase rainbows
To pursue an unrealistic or unattainable dream or goal, often wasting time or effort on something unlikely to happen.
cheap as chips
Extremely inexpensive; costing very little compared with what you’d expect.
cheap shot
An unfair, below-the-belt attack or insult, often taking advantage of someone’s weakness or a situation.
chew the fat
To chat casually for a while; to have an informal, friendly conversation.
chicken out
To lose courage and decide not to do something you had planned because you are afraid or nervous.
child's play
Something extremely easy to do; a task requiring little effort or skill compared with what was expected.
chip off the old block
Someone (usually a child) is very similar to their parent in character, behavior, or abilities.
chip on your shoulder
To be resentful about something from the past and be easily offended or looking for a fight.
chomping at the bit
To be impatient and eager to start or do something; barely able to wait.
chop-chop
Hurry up; do something quickly and without delay.
circle the wagons
To unite defensively, close ranks, and protect your group from criticism or threats.
clean as a whistle
Extremely clean, spotless, or very neat; sometimes also means completely free of wrongdoing (informal).
clean house
To make a thorough change by removing unwanted people/things; to reorganize completely (often in jobs/politics).
clear as mud
Not clear at all; very confusing or hard to understand (often said sarcastically).
close but no cigar
You came very near to success but did not actually achieve it; an almost-win or near miss.
close call
A narrow escape; a situation where something bad almost happened but was avoided by a small margin.
close to home
Emotionally personal or sensitive because it relates directly to you or your life.
clutch at straws
To try desperate, unlikely options when you have little hope of success.
cock and bull story
An unbelievable, exaggerated, or obviously false explanation meant to deceive or excuse something.
cold feet
Sudden nervousness or fear that makes you hesitate or back out of something you planned to do.
cold shoulder
Deliberate unfriendliness or ignoring someone to show disapproval or lack of interest.
come clean
To tell the truth and admit what you did or what you have been hiding, often after secrecy or suspicion.
come hell or high water
No matter what happens; despite any difficulties, obstacles, or danger, something will definitely be done or will happen.
come out of the woodwork
To appear suddenly in large numbers, often unexpectedly (sometimes with a negative sense, like critics or opportunists).
come rain or shine
No matter what happens or what the weather/conditions are; regardless of difficulties, it will happen as planned.
come to grips with
To begin to understand, accept, and deal with a difficult reality, problem, or emotion.
come up short
To fail to reach a required standard, goal, or expectation; to be insufficient or not good enough.
come what may
No matter what happens; regardless of future events or difficulties.
comfort zone
A familiar, low-risk situation where you feel safe and in control; little challenge or stress.
compare apples and oranges
To compare two things that are fundamentally different, so the comparison is unfair, inappropriate, or not very meaningful.
cook the books
To falsify or manipulate financial records to hide losses, inflate profits, or mislead others.
cool as a cucumber
Very calm and unbothered, especially in a stressful situation; composed and not showing anxiety.