double-edged sword
noun
: something that has or can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences
This much freedom of expression and opinion can be a double-edged sword.
Linda Connors
Linda Connors
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The sensitivity involved in attending to crises can be a double-edged sword. Rebecca Rozelle-stone, The Conversation, 6 Sep. 2022 For some places, the latter can become a double-edged sword, with over-tourism threatening the very environment that brought them to UNESCO's attention in the first place. Ben Jones, CNN, 15 Aug. 2021 His durability and speed have been his best traits over the years, but at this point only the durability remains, and given his declining production, even that is a double-edged sword. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Their inextricability from tropical vacations is a double-edged sword because the bars at these places tend to use sugar as a substitute for freshness, precision or training. Jason O'bryan, Robb Report, 30 July 2022 But improved technology and targeting is a double-edged sword. On Marketing, Forbes, 12 July 2022 Here’s the kicker: Each advantage (or disadvantage) is a double-edged sword. Hasan Kubba, Fortune, 1 July 2022 In other words, the admiration of others can be a double-edged sword. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 June 2022 And its provisions may be a sign of what is to come in the rest of the world, which is a double-edged sword for crypto investors. Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, 7 July 2022 See More
Rebecca Rozelle-stone, The Conversation, 6 Sep. 2022 For some places, the latter can become a double-edged sword, with over-tourism threatening the very environment that brought them to UNESCO's attention in the first place. Ben Jones, CNN, 15 Aug. 2021 His durability and speed have been his best traits over the years, but at this point only the durability remains, and given his declining production, even that is a double-edged sword. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Their inextricability from tropical vacations is a double-edged sword because the bars at these places tend to use sugar as a substitute for freshness, precision or training. Jason O'bryan, Robb Report, 30 July 2022 But improved technology and targeting is a double-edged sword. On Marketing, Forbes, 12 July 2022 Here’s the kicker: Each advantage (or disadvantage) is a double-edged sword. Hasan Kubba, Fortune, 1 July 2022 In other words, the admiration of others can be a double-edged sword. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 June 2022 And its provisions may be a sign of what is to come in the rest of the world, which is a double-edged sword for crypto investors. Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, 7 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above