a double-edged sword — mixed blessing; something that has both positive and negative effects
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
A situation, decision, or thing that brings both benefits and drawbacks at the same time.
Say it like a native
Textbook This presents both advantages and disadvantages simultaneously.
Native It's a bit of a double-edged sword.
The literal paraphrase is flat; the idiom captures 'helps and hurts at once' vividly.
Pattern: be (a) double-edged sword | can be a double-edged sword
In use
- Social media is a double-edged sword—it helps us stay connected, but it can also be a huge distraction.daily life
- While technology has made communication easier, it is a double-edged sword because it can also lead to a loss of privacy and face-to-face interaction.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a double-edge sword.
✓ It's a double-edged sword.
'Double-edged' — with the -ed.
Common collocations
double-edged sword— a bit of a, can be a, fame is a, technology is a
Don't confuse it
Unlike simply saying something is 'good and bad', calling it 'a double-edged sword' emphasizes that the positive and negative aspects are closely linked and come together.