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.




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