Origin
It originated in 1796 in English, from French, on ne saurait faire d’omelette sans casser des œufs (1742 and earlier), attributed to François de Charette.
Explanation
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed. It is hard to achieve something important without causing unpleasant effects. It is often used in the context of a regrettable political necessity which is said to be justified because it will benefit the majority. Sometimes, when we want to create or achieve something, we must sacrifice or destroy another thing to do it. It’s fun to own and drive a sports car, but it is expensive because it uses so much fuel. This proverb is easy to understand. In order to get something you have to give something up. You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. You must sacrifice something to get another thing. One cannot accomplish something without adverse effects elsewhere.
Example
Twenty jobs will have to be cut if the company’s going to be made more efficient. But you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.
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