you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

• you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette

1796 in English, from French, on ne saurait faire d'omelette sans casser des œufs (1742 and earlier), attributed François de Charette.[1]

you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

1. In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that some mistakes are made or some sacrifices must occur.
   • 1796, Walker's Hibernian Magazine:[1]

     It was remarked to him that he had caused the death of a great many persons. Yes, he replied, omlets are not made without breaking eggs.

• the cat would eat fish but would not wet her feet
• you don't get something for nothing

• Let's Resolve in the New Year to Stop Using That Expression About Breaking Eggs and Making Omelets, Mike Vuolo, Slate