THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A double-edged sword
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something that can bring both benefits and problems.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Working from home is a double-edged sword: I save travel time, but I miss my colleagues.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Working from home is ________: I save travel time, but I miss my colleagues.
Show the answer
A double-edged sword — Something that can bring both benefits and problems.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A double-edged sword” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something that can bring both benefits and problems.
Compare: Working from home is a double-edged sword: I save travel time, but I miss my colleagues.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this when a choice or development has a helpful side and a harmful side. It suits everyday discussion and workplace conversation.
More examples in context
- A large audience can be a double-edged sword for a new business.
- Instant notifications are a double-edged sword because they keep us informed but interrupt our concentration.
Usage note
Keep the hyphen in double-edged. Explain both sides so your listener understands the benefit and the drawback.
A short conversation
A: Would you like a job with more travel?
B: It could be a double-edged sword: exciting trips, but less time with my family.
A: That is worth considering before you apply.
One more practice question
Which situation is best described as a double-edged sword?
A. A promotion brings higher pay but much longer hours.
B. A free upgrade brings only benefits and no drawbacks.
Check your answer
A. The promotion has both a benefit and a drawback, which is the key idea.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.