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Definition |
to try to benefit from two opposite or
contradictory things |
Examples |
1) The politician was accused of buttering both
sides of the bread by promising to help both the left and the
right. 2) The businessman was trying to
butter both sides of the bread by making deals with both the
government and the rebels. |
Etymology |
The phrase is thought to have originated in
the early 1900s as a metaphor for trying to please everyone, even if
their interests are opposed. |
Synonyms |
weigh both sides, explore all angles, leave
nothing out |
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