English

Alternative forms

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

Proverb

you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

1. In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
   • 1796, Walker's Hibernian Magazine:^[1]

     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

References

1. 1 2 James A. H. Murray [et al.], editor (1884–1928) A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), London: Clarendon Press, OCLC 15566697; and The Oxford English Dictionary; being a Corrected Re-issue with an Introduction, Supplement, and Bibliography of A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (the First Supplement), Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1933, OCLC 2748467.

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