The best of both worlds
/ðə ˌbɛst əv boʊθ ˈwɜːrldz/neutral, informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “The best of both worlds” mean?
The best of both worlds means this refers to a situation where a person can enjoy the advantages of two very different things at the same time.
This idiom describes a very lucky balance. In most choices, you must give up one good thing to get another. Here, you get the advantages of both choices and avoid the disadvantages.
The tone is cheerful and satisfied. People use it to celebrate an ideal lifestyle, a good purchase, or a clever schedule that meets all their needs.
When do people say it?
People say this when they find an ideal compromise and do not have to give up anything good.
“Living near the train station gives her the best of both worlds: a quiet home and an easy commute to the city.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
The phrase became popular in English writing during the nineteenth century. Early uses often compared life on Earth with spiritual life in heaven.
Origin confidence: Reasonably documented
How do you say “The best of both worlds” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11