double-edged sword

American  

[duhb-uhl-ejd sawrd] / ˈdʌb əlˈɛdʒd ˈsɔrd /

noun

1. a sword whose blade has two cutting edges.

   This game character wields a wide double-edged sword to slice an enemy in two, armor and all, with brute strength.

2. something whose desirable effects are necessarily accompanied by undesirable ones.

   Studying from home is a double-edged sword—you can roll out of bed at 10 a.m. and attend class in your pajamas, but you can skip class with equal ease.

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Etymology

Origin of double-edged sword

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

What is clear is that the Universal park could dwarf much of its competition if all goes to plan, and while the impacts can be a double-edged sword, many are excited to see what its opening brings.

From BBC

All of this could be a double-edged sword for stocks.

From Barron's

This double-edged sword of reductions on both sides often makes claiming early while still working an inferior strategy.

From MarketWatch

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