run after two hares—(also: chase two rabbits) try to fulfill two goals at the same time (with the implication that a person will not succeed in either one):
- We are pursuing two qualitative targets simultaneously, which might be thought of as running after two hares.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase take two bites of a cherry—(also: make two bites of a cherry) take two turns to accomplish smth. which could be performed in one operation:
- When we are having the service, let us not take two bites of a cherry; let us take one bite and have the most up-to-date system.
run with the hare and hunt with the hounds—try to support two competing sides in a dispute:
- He paid the price for his liberal political beliefs as the Congress tried to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.