Idiom idiom
you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs
Meaning
There's always a cost to doing something
Examples
“You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs to get results.”
“The construction is noisy and messy, but you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs if you want a new kitchen.”
“The CEO acknowledged that the restructuring would be difficult for the staff, noting that you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs when modernizing a company.”
Origin
folk etymology
folk etymology
From the French proverb 'on ne fait pas d'omelette sans casser des œufs', long (though doubtfully) attributed to Robespierre; in English from the mid-19th century.
Last updated June 7, 2026