又想吃鱼又怕腥

又想吃鱼又怕腥:

Literally means:

while one wants to eat fish, he/she dislikes the stinky smell

Actually means:

腥, the special smell of the fish or seafood.

The phrase means that while one longs for some profit, he/she is unwilling to pay the price or take the corresponding consequence, responsibility or risk.

it often refers to something that is both profitable and risky and describes one dilemma as to how to make the choice. Somewhat derogatory.

腥，鱼虾等海产品特有的难闻气味。

又想吃鱼又怕腥，比喻既想获得某种利益，又不愿付出代价或承担由此引起的后果，责任或风险。

常用在既有利益又有风险的事情上，并表示对两者作出选择时处于矛盾的状态。略含贬义。