double-edged sword

(redirected from a double edged sword)

double-edged sword

Something that can be both beneficial and problematic. Intelligence is a double-edged sword. Things may come easy to you, but people will always expect more. This meeting is a double-edged sword—it's a great chance to get the firm wider exposure, but we're just not prepared enough for it.
See also: sword

a double-edged sword

or

a two-edged sword

COMMON If something is a double-edged sword or a two-edged sword, it has both an advantage and a disadvantage. The strong yen is a double-edged sword for Japan. It increases the spending power of consumers, but it also raises the costs of exports for manufacturers. Fame is a two-edged sword bringing as many problems as it does privileges.
See also: sword

a double-edged sword (or weapon)

a course of action or situation having both positive and negative effects.
2000 Investor A rising pound is a double-edged sword when investing overseas.
See also: sword

double-edged sword

An argument, compliment, or other statement that cuts either way, that is, has a double meaning. “‘Your Delphic sword,’ the panther then replied, ‘is double-edged and cuts on either side,’” wrote John Dryden (The Hind and the Panther, 1686). See also left-handed compliment.
See also: sword
References in periodicals archive ?
Sunday Standard sport journalist, Botlhale Koothupile on the other hand said the arrangement was a double edged sword. He said it allowed teams to have access to all their monies.
Club tickets to benefit teams
Being compared to the great John Fahey is a double edged sword - you come pre-armed with a reputation you must live up to.
CIAN ON THIS
The council should remember it is a double edged sword. Will they ban horses also, which are capable of leaving a half ton of manure on the beach?
Dog ban on beaches keeps visitors away; VOICE OF THE NORTH
Missing out this season is a double edged sword but Pienaar must recognise Everton are on the up.
Everton right club for Pienaar
Some colleges such as Texas Tech have banned players from using Twitter, but, for the NFL it's a double edged sword. Twitter acts as a one-to-one connection between fans and players.
B Jen fined 4 twt after gm
The incoming cash is a double edged sword. If too much comes in, Newman and Arcentales warn, policymakers have less reason to make economic reforms.
Mexico: a new addiction
Jools needs to learn that celebrity is a double edged sword.
Susan Lee: The twist to Oliver story
SIGNING players on year-long loan deals can be a double edged sword - and Everton have witnessed both sides already this season.
Football: In the Blue corner: Blues may feel a pinch with Yobo
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