Meaning & use
a double-edged sword
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
something that has both positive and negative consequences
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'Technology is a double-edged sword.' Often followed by 'because' or a clause explaining the two sides.
Patterns
- something is a double-edged sword
- a double-edged sword for someone
Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects people but also spreads misinformation.
For small businesses, online reviews are a double-edged sword—they can attract customers or scare them away.
phrasefixed phraseliterary
a sword with two sharp edges, literally
Grammar: Literal use is rare in everyday English; usually found in historical or fantasy contexts.
The knight carried a double-edged sword into battle.
Common combinations
- be a double-edged sword
- The new law is a double-edged sword for workers.
- prove a double-edged sword
- The policy proved a double-edged sword, helping some but hurting others.
- cut both ways
- His honesty cuts both ways—it wins trust but can offend.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mixed blessing
- Similar meaning, but 'mixed blessing' often suggests the good slightly outweighs the bad, while 'double-edged sword' is more neutral.
- two-edged sword
- A less common variant with the same figurative meaning.
Commonly confused: a double-edged sword or double-edged?
a double-edged sword vs double-edged
As an adjective, 'double-edged' can mean 'having two sharp edges' or 'having two possible interpretations', e.g., a double-edged remark.
Practice
The invention of the car was a double-edged sword because it ____.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'double-edged sword' means something has both good and bad effects. Option 0 gives one good effect (easy travel) and one bad (pollution). The other options describe only one side or a neutral fact.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a double-edged sword”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.