Best of both worlds

A choice that gives you the best parts of two opposing sides

This phrase, which perhaps became extremely famous in popular culture with the Disney TV series ‘Hannah Montana’, that showed a teenage girl able to live a normal life and be a Rockstar, actually has its origins in the works of the French philosopher Voltaire. In his novel ‘Candide’ (1759), he speaks of ‘the best of all possible worlds’. In modern times, the American writer James Branch Cable in his 1926 novel ‘The Silver Stallion’ played on this to write: ‘The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.’

Living in Oxford is perfect. You’re close enough to the country but also only an hour away from London. It truly is the best of both worlds.

Studying at a language school in the UK is the best of both worlds. I can enjoy student life, while also living as an independent adult.

My new car is a hybrid which consumes less fuel but also goes extremely fast. It’s like having the best of both worlds!