words meaning 'both good and bad'

Hello.

I have been trying to come up with words meaning BOTH GOOD AND BAD.  i have been drawing a total blank!  the only things i can think of that come close are maybe 'dual' or 'conflicted' - but these words do not capture the essence of what i'm trying to say!

Please help.  Much much Appreciated, Thanks!

The above 'Anonymous' query was my post (I just joined so you kind people who respond don't feel like you are talking to a person with 'dark glasses' on )

Clive wrote:

I'm not sure exactly what you want to say. Can you perhaps do something with the words ambiguous or ambivalent?

I don't believe either ambiguous or ambivalent would work for my circumstance unfortunately.  i am kind of trying to get across the idea of a 'double-edged sword'.  just to put this question in context, i am writing an essay on the topic of human rights.  in the first sentence of my introduction i used the sword metaphor, and now need sort of synonyms for this idea that i can use throughout the essay.  Please help...my essay has actually come to a standstill because i can't get around this silly problem

Thank you again!

I think you need to wait more than 45 mintues after a post to go into a panic that no one will answer you.

What about Janus words or autoantonyms.

http://www.fun-with-words.com/nym_autoantonyms.html

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/english_grammar_style/82228

Hi,

There's the idiom that something 'cuts both ways'.

Something can be 'a mixed blessing'. Something can be 'both good news and bad'.

Good luck, Clive