The best of both worlds

The expression The best of both worlds is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the The best of both worlds idiom.

Meaning of "The best of both worlds"

Meaning

The phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ is used to describe a situation or outcome which combines the advantages of two different scenarios. It is often used to suggest that a person or a situation is able to benefit from two different advantages, or avoid two possible disadvantages, which would otherwise not be possible. The phrase implies that there is a perfect balance between the two scenarios, resulting in an undeniably better outcome than either would have produced on their own.

Etymology

The phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ is first recorded in 1611 in John Minsheu’s A Dictionary in Spanish and English, although it is likely to have been in use for some time before that. It is believed to have originated from the Latin phrase ‘meliora ex duobus eligere’, which translates as ‘choose the better of two’. It can also be traced back to medieval philosophy, where it was used as a metaphor for choosing the best possible outcome from a given situation.

Usage

The phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ is typically used to describe a situation where two different outcomes are combined to create something better than either of them alone. It is often used to describe a person or organization who is able to benefit from the advantages of two different scenarios, or manage to avoid two possible drawbacks by choosing the option that has a combination of both. It is also used to describe a situation where a person or an organization is able to take advantage of the best qualities from two different scenarios, without sacrificing any of the positives from either.

Example Sentences

• My new job offers me the best of both worlds: I get to work from home, and I still get to be part of a team.
• By working with both the online and offline businesses, we can have the best of both worlds and give customers a truly comprehensive experience.
• The new school program offers the best of both worlds: an opportunity to learn in class, as well as the flexibility to study independently.
• The city’s location means it has the best of both worlds