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

This is a double-edged sword, however, particularly in relation to Steam’s rules and the current perception of visual novels within the games industry. — Julie Muncy, The Verge, "Steam’s capricious pornography rules hurt small game developers the most," 1 June 2018 Developing a specific set of skills can be a double-edged sword, too, opening doors yet limiting mobility. — Suresh Naidu, Eric Posner, Vox, "More and more companies have monopoly power over workers’ wages. That’s killing the economy.," 6 Apr. 2018 O’Malley’s support could be a double-edged sword for Baker. — Michael Dresser, baltimoresun.com, "Martin O'Malley endorses Rushern Baker in Democratic race for Maryland governor," 7 June 2018 Owning the Post has been a double-edged sword for Bezos. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Elon Musk’s Fall to Earth," 25 May 2018 The falling dollar is a double-edged sword for Americans investing abroad, said Harry W. Hartford, president of Causeway Capital Management. — Paul J. Lim, New York Times, "The Falling Dollar Means Investors Should Look Abroad — Carefully," 13 Apr. 2018 Female beauty standards are a double-edged sword for trans women. — Katelyn Burns, Allure, "The Impossible Balancing Act of Navigating Beauty Standards as a Trans Woman," 12 Apr. 2018 High valuations, for example, can be a double-edged sword. — Dana Cimilluca, WSJ, "M&A Market Headed for a Record, Powered by Tech Disruption, AT&T Ruling," 1 July 2018 Jamie Lisanti: Grass court lead-up tournaments are a double-edged sword. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "Wimbledon 2018 Preview Roundtable: Predictions, Dark Horses, More," 29 June 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.