To have (something) both ways

Idiom: to have (something) both ways; used as a verb.

First Example: Mario has been dating Erika for six months, but he also likes Tina and would like to ask her out. Mario wants to have it both ways. He would like to date both Erika and Tina.

Meaning: to have (something or it) both ways means to get the best of a situation by getting the benefits of two opposite things. In this example, Mario likes his relationship with Erika, but he also likes Tina. However, he can't date both of them at the same time because he has been dating Erika for six months. This idiom can apply to any situation where there are two opposite things that can't be done at the same time. It's used as an infinitive in this example. 
Here is another example: 

Second Example: John works long hours and makes a lot of money, but he would like to have more time off to do the things he enjoys. However, John can't have it both ways. He either works hard and makes a lot of money, or he takes more time off and makes less money. 

Meaning: In this case, the two opposite things are working a lot and taking more time off. John can't make a lot of money if he does both of these things at the same time. He must choose one thing. In this example, it's used with the modal "can't." 
This idiom is from LSI's book "Speaking Savvy," which is used in the Level 5 Listening/Speaking classes. 

https://languagesystems.edu/

Hot potato

Context #1 

Two friends discussing personal problems

Jon: What’s up Aaron? What did you want to talk about? 

Aaron: I’m going to travel with my girlfriend to her home country, but it seems her parents don’t really want to meet me because I’m from a different culture.

Jon: Oh wow! It seems you have a hot potato in your hands. You will have to approach this issue with an open mind and try your best.

Aaron: I’ve been learning their language and cultural norms. I’m bringing a special gift for them too.

Jon: Remember that it’s a sensitive issue. Learn as you go. Hot potatoes are difficult to deal with.

Context #2 

Two co-workers discussing the holiday party

June: I’m trying to promote the Christmas party to everyone at work.

Alex: That’s great! Just remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Just promote it as an inclusive Holiday Party. You want to avoid any hot potatoes at work.

June: Yes, you’re right. I just want everyone at work to enjoy a good time. It’s not necessarily about Christmas.

Alex: Yep. Include everyone in a friendly way and you can avoid any issues at work. Those things are always tricky.

Meaning: A hot potato means a controversial or difficult problem that can be difficult or risky to deal with. In the first context, they had to deal with relationship and cultural issues that can affect multi-cultural couples. In the second context, both friends discuss having a holiday party without leaving anyone out, or making it seem exclusive. Not an easy thing to consider at work.

http://languagesystems.edu/