two-edged

[ too-ejd ]

adjective

1. having two edges, as a sword.
2. cutting or effective both ways.

two-edged

adjective

1. having two cutting edges
2. (esp of a remark) having two interpretations, such as she looks nice when she smiles

Word History and Origins

Origin of two-edged¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

"Like everything, tech has a dark side. It is a two-edged sword," says veteran Silicon Valley watcher, Prof Mike Malone.

From BBC

While the monarchy is a symbol of Britain’s history, that can be a two-edged sword.

From Seattle Times

OK, that can be admirable but it’s a dangerous two-edged sword.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's absolutely true that the closer political power is to the people, the more responsive political power tends to be. But that can be a two-edged sword. Local governments are at least as capable as the feds of passing laws and ordinances that violate the presumption of liberty in the Constitution… Tyranny isn't OK just because it is approved by a majority of your fellow townsfolk."

From Salon

That decentralization, election experts said, is a two-edged sword.

From Reuters

Related Words

• sarcastic