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double-edged sword

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New2grammar  #401147  Mon, 06 Aug 07 06:30 PM

: something that has or can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences

Is the definition above correct for the phrase 'double-edged sword'?

Please give a few examples to help me understand it better? Thanks in advance

  
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Grammar Geek  #401156  Mon, 06 Aug 07 06:41 PM

Yes, it can help you as well as hurt you. The related expression is "It cuts both ways."

Sometimes it's called a two-edged sword.

  
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Ruslana  #401158  Mon, 06 Aug 07 06:46 PM

Yes, it's rigth. You can also use 'double-edged weapon'.

For example, sitting in front of a PC is a double-edged sword: you can obtain a lot of knowledge (a positive consequence), but you can also spoil your eyesight (a negative consequence).

  
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