What does “Double-edged sword” mean?
"Double-edged sword" means that something has both positive and negative consequences or effects.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Social media can be a double-edged sword - it connects people but also invades privacy.
Example
Having a lot of money can be a double-edged sword - it brings opportunities but also attracts unwanted attention.
Example
Being famous is a double-edged sword - it brings success but also loss of privacy
Is “Double-edged sword” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Double-edged sword” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Double-edged sword” effectively in context?
You can use "Double-edged Sword" to describe something that has both positive and negative consequences or effects. It emphasizes the idea that there are advantages and disadvantages to a particular situation or thing. For example, if someone is talking about the internet, they might say, 'The internet is a double-edged sword - it provides us with information and connectivity, but it also exposes us to privacy risks and misinformation.'
- 1Technology
Smartphones are a double-edged sword - they allow us to stay connected, but they can also be addictive and distract us from real-life interactions.
- 2Wealth
Having a lot of money can be a double-edged sword - it brings opportunities but also attracts unwanted attention.
- 3Fame
Being famous is a double-edged sword - it brings success but also loss of privacy.
Similar phrases to “Double-edged sword”:
Catch-22
A situation in which one is trapped by contradictory rules or circumstances
Example
He was in a catch-22 - he needed experience to get a job, but he needed a job to gain experience.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Double-edged sword” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Double-edged Sword" can be traced back to ancient times when swords were commonly used as weapons. A double-edged sword refers to a weapon that has two sharp edges, which means it can cut from both sides. This concept was later metaphorically applied to situations or things that have both positive and negative aspects.
Is “Double-edged sword” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Double-edged Sword" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations or things that have both positive and negative aspects. It's a versatile phrase that can be applied to various contexts.
What tone does “Double-edged sword” have?
"Double-edged Sword" conveys a tone of caution and balance. It suggests that one should consider both the advantages and disadvantages of a situation or thing before making judgments or decisions.
Can “Double-edged sword” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Double-edged Sword" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized idiom that effectively communicates the idea of something having both positive and negative consequences. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Social media can be a double-edged sword - it connects people but also invades privacy.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Social media is a "double-edged sword"!' to imply the dual nature of the topic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- two-faced
- ambivalent
- paradoxical
- mixed bag
- janus-faced
Antonyms
- unambiguous
- straightforward
- clear-cut
- one-sided
