cut both ways
cut both ways
(of a point or statement) serve both sides of an argument
(of an action or process) have both good and bad effects
The image behind this expression is that of a double-edged weapon.
1998 - Sanjida O'Connell - Angel Bird – Words have the power to cut both ways and I was not strong enough to wield them
Related Idioms and Phrases :
have it both ways
benefit from two incompatible ways of thinking or behaving
1998 - New Scientist - It is only now dawning on the legislators that they cannot have it both ways - that cleanliness and ecological friendliness are incompatible.
cut both ways :
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