🗓️ Idiom: A Double-Edged Sword (n)
💬 Meaning
- Something that has both good and bad effects.
- A situation or decision that brings both benefits and problems.
🧠 Example Sentences
- Opening up to international markets can be a double-edged sword—it increases profits but also competition.
- Social media campaigns can be a double-edged sword for CSR. They raise awareness but also attract more criticism.
- Public donations helped the company’s image, but they were also seen as a double-edged sword because the core issues remained unsolved.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom comes from the idea of a sword that has two sharp edges. It can cut both ways, meaning it can help or hurt. The phrase has been used since ancient times to describe things that have both positive and negative results.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Working from home is a ______it’s convenient but can lead to burnout.
Answer
double-edged sword
2. Multiple choice:
What does “a double-edged sword” mean?
a) A useful tool
b) Something with both good and bad sides
c) A dangerous weapon
Answer
b) Something with both good and bad sides
3. Change the sentence using “a double-edged sword”:
“Going viral helped their brand, but also brought a lot of negative attention.”
Answer
Going viral was a double-edged sword for their brand.