double-edged sword

noun

Definition of double-edged sword

: 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

Examples of double-edged sword in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the power of cinematic storytelling is a double-edged sword; viewers might have been able to see themselves in Sierra, but that reflection crossed a line into uncomfortable territory, given her actions. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "I Really Tried to Like “Sierra Burgess,” But Catfishing Isn’t Romantic — It’s Harmful," 10 Sep. 2018 Inclusion in the index would raise the profile of GCC countries among asset managers tracking the JPMorgan indexes, who manage about $250 billion, but access to the broader investor base is a double-edged sword, Mr. Arnopolin said. — Matt Wirz, WSJ, "Emerging-Market Investors Flood Persian Gulf," 15 July 2018 But the accessibility to the show’s stars can be a double-edged sword. — De Elizabeth, Glamour, "For The Bachelor Contestants, Is Finding Love and Spon-Con Deals Worth the Trolls?," 9 May 2019 This progress of acceptance has become something of a double-edged sword. — Ashley Wong, USA TODAY, "Gay Pride parades used to mean protests. Now they're an excuse for straight kids to party," 22 June 2018 Yeah, it's been interesting to see how it's played out as this kind of double-edged sword. — CBS News, "Overload: How technology is bringing us too much information," 1 Apr. 2018 Game of Thrones fans praised the surprising and well-deserved shoutout, but some people pointed out that Drake's reference could be a double-edged sword. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Welp, People Think Arya Stark Is Doomed After That Drake Shoutout at the Billboard Music Awards," 2 May 2019 Turn up the volume This is one of those double-edged sword problems. — Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, "6 ways to keep Alexa from eavesdropping on you," 25 May 2018 Dating is complicated for any generation, but millennials must contend with the double-edged sword of technology. — Adam Lukach, RedEye Chicago, "Living Single: RedEye reporters try speed dating in Chicago," 8 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'double-edged sword.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.