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Glite Dictionary
double-edged

double-edged

17 6.9
Having two meanings or effects, one good and one bad
  • adjective
  • /ˈdʌbəlˈɛdʒd/
translation icon : de doble filo
  • While working from home is convenient, it can also be a double-edged sword that blurs the line between personal and professional life.
  • a double-edged sword

And and it's a double edged sword because it's our country.

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Examples

  • In the local version of modern nationalism, modernity is seen as a double-edged sword.

    Academic text (2006)

  • For Beijing, securing energy supplies, like economic growth, is a double-edged sword.

    Academic text (2009)

  • So it's a, it's kind of a double edged sword, right?

    Shawn Ryan Show

  • Yeah, it definitely was a double edged sword for me to be able to be in the public eye like that.

  • Hiding one's identity can be a double-edged sword in athletic competitions.

    Academic text (2007)

  • For Mr. Longrich, the extra attention feels like a double-edged sword.

    Academic text (2016)

  • The strong presence of large multinational companies in the industry is a double-edged sword with respect to the environment.

    Academic text (2003)

  • But the American rule proved to be a double-edged sword, Sherman says.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Naps are a double edged sword, but in this circumstance they can be a bad thing.

  • Indeed, securitizing pandemic influenza appears to have been a double-edged sword in many respects.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

two-sided
vsdouble-edged
1 3.4

Involving two sides with different views

emphasizes one thing having mixed positive and negative effects or ambiguous meaning

Antonyms

straightforward
99 3.7

Something that is easy to understand and clear

unambiguous
15 5.9

Clear and having only one meaning

How Ambiguous

cryptic
43 8.1
double-edged
17 6.9
ambiguous
68 6.3
vague
230 4.6

Surface Forms

double-edged positive

Morphology

double-edged = double + edged (semi-transparent) = double + edge + ed

Built from 'double' + 'edged' (edge + -ed); the figurative sense 'having two opposing effects' is a straightforward metaphorical extension but not purely literal.

Etymology

Double-edged comes from a blade with two sharp sides: double- meaning 'two' and edged from 'edge'. So, like a knife that can 'cut both ways', a double-edged remark or action can have two effects, often one good and one bad.