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both1 S1 W1

1 used to talk about two people, things etc together, and emphasize that each is included [↪ either]:
Both Helen's parents are doctors.
Hold it in both hands.
You can both swim, can't you?
They both started speaking together.
Oxford is not far from Stratford, so you can easily visit both in a day.
Both Helen's parents are doctors.
Hold it in both hands.
You can both swim, can't you?
They both started speaking together.
Oxford is not far from Stratford, so you can easily visit both in a day.2 used to say that someone cannot have the advantages that come from two separate situations because they cannot exist together :
It's either me or her. You can't have it both ways.
somebody can't have it both ways
It's either me or her. You can't have it both ways.