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double-edged sword

A benefit that is also a liability, or that carries some significant but not-so-obvious cost or risk.

Etymology:

  • From the notion that if two sides of the same blade are sharp, it cuts both ways. The metaphor may have originated from the Arabic expression سَيْف ذُو حَدَيْن. In the Bible, the word of God is described as being sharper than a double-edged sword.
  • The metaphor is first attested to in English in the 15th century. It is not to be confused with a double-ended sword.
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Submitted on July 10, 2018

Additional definitions for 'double-edged sword':

double-edged swordA benefit that is also a liability, or that carries some significant but non-obvious cost or risk.
double-edged swordUsed other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see double-edged,‎ sword.
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to double-edged sword

double overput to the swordlive by the sword, die by the swordPen is Mightier than the Sworddouble vertical linedouble talkdouble updouble-tongueddouble talkdouble rainbow babydouble-updouble or nothingfall on one's swordsword and sandal

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    "double-edged sword." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/double-edged-sword_25529>.

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