make an omelet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an omelet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of cooking or metaphorically to indicate that achieving something may require sacrifices or difficult choices. Example: "To achieve your goals, sometimes you have to make an omelet and break a few eggs along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you want to make an omelet you have to break some eggs".

The New York Times

It's like going into the kitchen and [seeing what] you can make an omelet out of.

The New York Times - Arts

"As the saying goes, you've got to break some eggs to make an omelet".

The New York Times

And anyone who can make an omelet and can whip cream can make a souffle.

The New York Times - Food

You can't bear witness from afar any more than you make an omelet without cracking eggs.

The New York Times

As they say, to make an omelet, you've got to break some eggs".

The New York Times - Sports

In the same sense if I make an omelet, I'm fired up.

The Guardian - Sport

If you want to make an omelet, you have to break a few eggs.

The New York Times

To make an omelet, as Moses himself said, you have to break some eggs.

The New York Times

And no, I'm not suggesting you make an omelet every night.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Wheat Industry, 1921; How To Make An Omelet/A Lesson In Cooking, 1922; Aunt Tabitha, 1922; The Birth of a Scandal, 1922.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make an omelet" metaphorically (as in the idiom "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs"), ensure the context clearly signals the figurative meaning to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid overusing the idiom "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs" in situations where a more direct or less cliché expression would be more effective. Overuse can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an omelet" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "an omelet" is the direct object. Ludwig AI shows its usage both literally, referring to cooking, and figuratively, as part of the idiom "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

12%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an omelet" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase that serves both literal and figurative purposes. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently encountered across varied sources from News & Media to Wiki, highlighting its widespread use. As evidenced, its literal meaning refers to the cooking process. As part of the idiom "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs", it serves as a metaphor justifying necessary sacrifices. While generally neutral in tone, its specific register adapts to the context in which it is used. The AI's analysis confirms its validity and commonality in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare an omelet

Replaces the verb "make" with "prepare", offering a slightly more formal tone.

cook an omelet

Substitutes "make" with "cook", focusing specifically on the cooking process.

whip up an omelet

Adds the verb "whip up", implying a quick and easy preparation.

create an omelet

Replaces "make" with "create", emphasizing the act of producing something.

assemble an omelet

Suggests gathering ingredients and putting them together to form the omelet.

put together an omelet

Similar to "assemble", indicating a process of combining ingredients.

craft an omelet

Implies skill and care in the making of the omelet.

form an omelet

Focuses on the act of shaping the omelet during the cooking process.

produce an omelet

Emphasizes the result of the cooking process – the omelet itself.

devise an omelet

Suggests a creative or inventive approach to making an omelet, possibly with unusual ingredients or techniques.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs"?

It means that achieving something valuable often requires some sacrifice or unpleasant actions. There may be negative consequences when trying to achieve a goal.

What can I say instead of "make an omelet" when literally cooking?

When referring to the literal act of cooking, you can use alternatives like "prepare an omelet" or "cook an omelet".

Is it acceptable to say "make an omelette"?

Yes, "omelette" is simply an alternative spelling of "omelet". Both "make an omelette" and "make an omelet" are grammatically correct and widely understood.

How do I properly "make an omelet"?

Making an omelet involves whisking eggs, cooking them in a pan, and adding fillings such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. There are many recipes available online and in cookbooks with detailed instructions.