double-edged

American  

[duhb-uhl-ejd] / ˈdʌb əlˈɛdʒd /

adjective

1. having two cutting edges, as a razor blade.

2. capable of acting two ways or having opposite effects.

   a double-edged argument.

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double-edged British  

adjective

1. acting in two ways; having a dual effect

   a double-edged law

2. (of a remark, argument, etc) having two possible interpretations, esp applicable both for and against or being really malicious though apparently innocuous

3. (of a sword, knife, etc) having a cutting edge on either side of the blade

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Etymology

Origin of double-edged

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

AI, he says, is a double-edged sword for the economy, as it has both “the potential to weaken employment further while boosting productivity gains.”

From Barron's

But the kudos was a double-edged sword for Gyngell, who left the cafe a year after the award, saying she was frustrated by customers who expected a traditional Michelin experience at her rustic cafe.

From BBC

"It's a double-edged sword as these service providers need to be large to provide the scale and global reach required by big brands. But when they fail the impact can be significant."

From Barron's

While market participants may not agree on whether the tech trade looks poised to go awry, it’s a double-edged sword that today’s stock market has become heavily concentrated in tech stocks.

From MarketWatch

An album like “West End Girl” is a double-edged sword, enticing audiences to relate to Allen’s vulnerability, but also letting them project their own experiences onto the artist’s, thus intensifying a listener’s reaction.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrogant
• caustic
• incongruous
• mocking
• paradoxical
• ridiculous
• sardonic
• satiric
• satirical
• twisted
• unexpected
• wry