best əv boʊθ wɜrldz
General
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Having the advantages of two different worlds or situations
What does "best of both worlds" mean?
- A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things at once
- Getting all the benefits without the drawbacks
Examples
- Working from home gives me the best of both worlds—comfort and productivity.
- Living in the suburbs near the city offers the best of both worlds.
- With this hybrid car, you get the best of both worlds—power and fuel efficiency.
Origin
The phrase suggests being able to enjoy advantages from two typically incompatible situations. It gained popularity in the 20th century but the concept has existed for centuries.
How to use it
Very positive expression for optimal situations. Sometimes used ironically when someone is trying to have everything.
Similar expressions
win-win situation
have it all
ideal solution
Opposites
caught between two stools
worst of both worlds
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "best of both worlds" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.