Idiom
double-edged sword
Meanings
Something that has both positive and negative effects.
Definition
A double-edged sword is something that has both benefits and harms at the same time.
A double-edged sword is a situation, decision, or feature that brings advantages but also creates problems. People use it to emphasize that the good and bad effects are closely connected. It often suggests you must be careful because the same thing that helps you can also hurt you.
Examples
- Working from home is a double-edged sword for me.
- Fame can be a double-edged sword if you value privacy.
- The new policy is a double-edged sword: it saves money but cuts services.
- Social media is a double-edged sword for teenagers.
- Automation is a double-edged sword for the factory workers.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for something that is only bad or only good, but it should describe something with both advantages and disadvantages.
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