serve two masters
idiomPart ofmaster
serve two masters — idiom
1. to try to follow two opposing principles, loyalties, or demands at the same time
1.idiom
Definition
to try to follow two opposing principles, loyalties, or demands at the same time, which is impossible to do well
Example
A journalist cannot serve two masters — truth and political loyalty pull in opposite directions.
The manager tried to serve two masters by pleasing both staff and executives, but failed.