cut both ways

(redirected from Cuts Both Ways)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

cut both ways

To have good and bad effects at the same time. You may dislike dogs, but what will become of your cat if the homeowners' association employs this new "no pets" policy? It will cut both ways, after all.

See also: both, cut, way

cut both ways

to affect both sides of an issue equally. Remember that your suggestion that costs should be shared cuts both ways. Your division will have to reduce its budget as well. If our side cannot take along supporters to the game, then yours cannot either. The rule has to cut both ways.

See also: both, cut, way

cut both ways

Have a mixed effect, have advantages and disadvantages. For example, Their solution will cut both ways; it'll take longer but is permanent. This metaphoric expression alludes to a double-edged sword. [c. 1600]

See also: both, cut, way

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

cut both ways

If something cuts both ways, it has two different effects, usually one good and one bad. Celebrity cuts both ways, of course, and the benefits do not always outweigh the disadvantages. Note: You can also say that something cuts two ways, with the same meaning. Evidence of a harsh childhood might cut two ways with a jury. It might create sympathy or it might be seen as proof that the defendant was likely to become a criminal.

See also: both, cut, way

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

cut both ways

1 (of a point or statement) serve both sides of an argument. 2 (of an action or process) have both good and bad effects.

The image behind this expression is that of a double-edged weapon (see double-edged sword at double-edged).

1 1998 Sanjida O'Connell Angel Bird Words have the power to cut both ways and I was not strong enough to wield them

See also: both, cut, way

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

cut both/two ˈways

have an effect both for and against somebody/something: Banning imports of cars could cut both ways: other countries may ban the import of cars produced here.

cut both ways

To have both favorable and unfavorable results or implications.

See also: both, cut, way

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

See also:

References in periodicals archive ?

The argument for local control cuts both ways - in 1976, voters rejected a statewide initiative that would have prohibited fluoridation of water supplies.

Fluoride a local concern

CUTS BOTH WAYS: Seanne Sanford, I-SA Training's hairdressing consultant, pictured with pupils from Maesteg Comprehensive School

Training company is a cut above the rest in schools

But that realism cuts both ways and more of their work is showing prisoners what they CAN achieve rather than in explaining what doors may be closed.

Employment FOCUS with Marjorie Calder; Unlock talents

Needless to say, the argument that the other should just quit for the good of the country cuts both ways.

Presidential Blowup

Different indeed is the kind of audience called into being in their presence, but perhaps unfortunately, difference cuts both ways. While the competencies required of the spectator by Chadwick's Glossolalia, 1993, are not entirely distinct from those necessitated by an encounter with Eisenman's The Minotaur Hunt, the factitiousness and "spontaneity" of painting, as opposed to the constructivism of sculptural hybrids, presents a more convincing totalization of attitude.

Bad girl blues

The term "career diplomat" cuts both ways. It connotes someone who brings a professional touch to diplomacy and someone who makes a career of it.

Somoza Falling

"And it also cuts both ways. It's not just [paying for] the Christian who grabbed another person's property but also for the Moro who seized somebody else's land," he said.

Gov't, Bangsamoro to pay those who lost lands

Now I'm not usually one to witter on about players honouring their contracts; football clubs are quick to move on players when they've no more use for them, so this cuts both ways.

Turkish trip takes on increased importance

CUTS BOTH WAYS Handicaps are clearly going to provide Paul Cole's colt with easier pickings after his encouraging run at Leicester on Monday.

Watch out for..

LINGFIELD: 1.30 Cuts Both Ways, 2.05 Kensei, 2.40 Passkey, 3.15 Admin, 3.50 Action Girl, 4.25 Ancien Regime, 5.00 Rocket Rob.

Rodrigo De Torres made a [...]

"The rule cuts both ways because UK cattle would also lose their farm assurance if they were killed in other countries, and acquired so-called nomad status, but in current circumstances it is the British finisher that is being protected," said NBA director Kim Haywood.

Assured status protects prices; Farming

But that cuts both ways and brings with it some responsibilities.

NEW BROOM

And it cuts both ways, natch - I won't show you mine if you don't show me yours.

Too many blips on my idiot-ometer..

In 1990, Gloria released her bestselling solo album, Cuts Both Ways.

Gloria Estefan; coming soon

However this cuts both ways and while Birmingham City Council has supported the Black Country's efforts to contribute to the success of our region, the same cannot be said for some of Birmingham's business community nor of the Birmingham media.