ELI5: what does double edged sword mean
// explanation
What is a double-edged sword?
A double-edged sword is like a magical sword that is sharp on both sides instead of just one side [1][4]. When you swing it, you can hurt the enemy, but you might also hurt yourself because both edges are dangerous [5].
Why do people use this phrase?
People use this saying when something good also has something bad about it [2]. For example, having a pet is wonderful, but it's also a lot of work—that's a double-edged sword!
What does it actually mean?
It means that something has both good and bad effects at the same time [2][3]. Just like the sword cuts both ways, good things in life often come with challenges too [5].
How do you recognize one?
Anytime you're thinking "this is great, but also kind of not great," that's probably a double-edged sword situation [2].
// sources
Jan 2, 2020 ... Swords were almost always used to hack rather than stab. Double edged means it's sharpened on both sides so you can strike on both the forward ...
Nov 4, 2025 ... The meaning of DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD is something that has or can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. How to use double-edged ...
Oct 10, 2025 ... So the metaphor is that it could have a positive or negative effect or both at the same time. ... That would be a double-bladed sword.
a weapon with a long, metal blade that is sharp at both edges, used especially in the past: The fresco portrays a knight wielding a double-edged sword. The ...
Aug 12, 2016 ... It seems simply to be a figure of speech. A double-edged sword literally cuts both ways. One of the earliest attestations in the OED for ...
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