you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

English

Alternative forms

• you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette

Etymology

1796 in English, from French, on ne saurait faire d'omelette sans casser des œufs (1742 and earlier), attributed to François de Charette.

Proverb

you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

1. In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that some mistakes are made or some sacrifices must occur.
   • 1796, Walker's Hibernian Magazine:

     It was remarked to him that he had caused the death of a great many persons. Yes, he replied, omlets are not made without breaking eggs.

Translations

you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette — see you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette

See also

• the cat would eat fish but would not wet her feet
• you don't get something for nothing

References

• Let's Resolve in the New Year to Stop Using That Expression About Breaking Eggs and Making Omelets, Mike Vuolo, Slate