# you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/you-cant-make-an-omelet-without-breaking-some-eggs
Updated: 2026-06-07

## 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

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. (folk)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.