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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Understand an expression about the costs of making change—and when it can excuse unfair harm.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode explores “you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs,” an idiom used when a goal involves disruption, sacrifice, or an unpleasant step. The image can describe ordinary mess during a project, but it is also used to defend decisions that impose costs on other people. The literal phrase “can’t boil an egg” is a playful way to say someone is a very poor cook.
Cultural note: The omelet proverb can minimize harm by presenting other people’s losses as unavoidable. Ask who bears the cost and whether there are less harmful alternatives; do not use it to excuse unsafe, coercive, or unfair treatment.
Keep exploringA familiar cooking image can describe necessary effort—or serve as a convenient excuse. Context reveals which meaning a speaker intends.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe disruption that comes with making or building something.
Meaning
Achieving something may involve disruption, sacrifice, or unwanted consequences.
Tone & use
A proverb, not proof that the costs are necessary or fair. Consider who is affected before using it to defend a decision.
Example
“Renovating the library will be noisy for a few weeks, but the director reminded everyone that you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.”
Recognize when a goal requires giving something up.
Meaning
Accept or cause some difficulty while trying to reach a goal.
Tone & use
Often appears as shorthand for the longer proverb. It can sound dismissive when other people bear the inconvenience.
Example
“The redesign means moving a few desks, but let’s schedule it carefully instead of telling staff to “break a few eggs.””
Meaning
Stop having, doing, or using something, often to reach another goal.
Tone & use
A neutral phrasal verb; name the actual trade-off instead of implying the sacrifice is small.
Example
“She gave up one evening shift so she could attend the training course.”
Use a humorous phrase for basic cooking skills.
Meaning
Be unable to cook even a very simple dish; by extension, be a very inexperienced cook.
Tone & use
Humorous and self-deprecating when said about yourself. It can sound insulting if used to judge someone else.
Example
“I’m learning to cook, but right now I can’t boil an egg without checking the instructions.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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