best of both worlds
best of both worlds
The most ideal or desirable attributes of two different things, situations, or circumstances. We hope that by forming a bipartisan committee we will be able form a body that represents the best of both worlds. I believe that living at college gives you the best of both worlds: a place where both study and social life can thrive.
See also: both, of, world
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*best of both worlds
a situation wherein one can enjoy two different opportunities. (*Typically: enjoy ~; have ~; live in ~.) When Don was a fellow at the university, he had the privileges of a professor and the freedom of a student. He had the best of both worlds. Donna hated to have to choose between retirement and continuing working. She wanted to do both so she could live in the best of both worlds.
See also: both, of, world
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
best of both worlds, the
Benefits from two seemingly opposed alternatives, as in Jenny taught in the morning only and worked on her book afternoons, so she had the best of both worlds . Charles Kingsley used this idiom in Westward Ho! (1855): "Make the best of both worlds." Also see make the best of it.
See also: both, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
the best of both worlds
COMMON If you have the best of both worlds, you are in a situation where you have all the advantages of two different things, without any of the problems or disadvantages. We have the town two miles away and the countryside at the end of our garden so we have the best of both worlds here. The instant response of a gas hob combined with the cleanliness of an electric oven and separate grill offer the best of both worlds.
See also: both, of, world
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
the best of both (or all possible) worlds
the benefits of widely differing situations, enjoyed at the same time.The variant all possible worlds alludes to the catchphrase of the eternally optimistic philosopher Dr Pangloss in Voltaire 's Candide ( 1759 ): Dans ce meilleur des mondes possibles…tout est au mieux , usually quoted in English as ‘Everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds’.
See also: both, of, world
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
the best of ˈboth/ˈall (possible) worlds
the advantages of two/many very different situations: We have the best of both worlds here — it’s a peaceful village but we’re only twenty minutes from the town centre. OPPOSITE: the worst of both/all (possible) worldsSee also: all, both, of, world
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- best of both possible worlds
- best of both worlds, the
- enjoy
- the best of both worlds
- the best of both/all worlds
- the worst of both worlds
- the worst of both/all worlds
- best of all worlds
- things will work out
- be the best of a bad lot