this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2023
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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I wondered about this for years and years, never understanding, especially, since "having cake" and "eating cake" are used interchangeably. But, I finally figured it out! In this sense, the "having" is equivalent to "keeping" or "being in possession of."

Examples:

  • "What's it like having a Mercedes Benz?"
  • "The Smiths have a very nice home."

No eating implied!

Therefore, the saying is more inline with "You can't keep (to show off or admire) your cake, and eat it, too."

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But you can. Just cut a hole in the bottom and eat it from there. Then it’s presentable and edible.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Ok smartass

/j