THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A mixed blessing
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something welcome that also brings disadvantages or difficulties.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Living near the station is a mixed blessing: travel is easy, but the trains are noisy.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Living near the station is ________: travel is easy, but the trains are noisy.
Show the answer
A mixed blessing — Something welcome that also brings disadvantages or difficulties.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A mixed blessing” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something welcome that also brings disadvantages or difficulties.
Compare: Living near the station is a mixed blessing: travel is easy, but the trains are noisy.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when good news or a useful change has a drawback. The expression works in conversation and general writing.
More examples in context
- The sudden rise in orders was a mixed blessing for our tiny team.
- A very flexible timetable can be a mixed blessing if you find it hard to plan your day.
Usage note
Use a mixed blessing for something with both good and bad aspects. A blessing in disguise describes something that first seems bad but turns out to be helpful.
A short conversation
A: Your café is getting very popular.
B: It is a mixed blessing; business is good, but we need more staff.
A: I hope you find someone soon.
One more practice question
Which experience is a mixed blessing?
A. A bigger flat offers more space but costs much more to heat.
B. A lost key is found immediately with no trouble or expense.
Check your answer
A. The extra space is welcome, but the higher heating cost is a disadvantage.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.