- two-edged sword
- noun Date: 1526 double-edged sword
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
two-edged sword
Look at other dictionaries:
two-edged sword — If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then they are using a two edged sword; it cuts both ways … The small dictionary of idiomes
two-edged sword — ˈ ̷ ̷ ¦ejd , ¦ejə̇d noun : something that can produce positive or negative results public relations appears as a two edged sword able to enhance or hurt an institution L.B.Mayhew * * * a double edged/two edged/sword phrase a situation with as… … Useful english dictionary
two edged sword — sword which is sharp on both sides of the blade; double danger, risk of a boomerang effect … English contemporary dictionary
a two-edged sword — a double edged/two edged/sword phrase a situation with as many bad qualities or effects as good ones The increase in tourism has been a double edged sword for island residents. Thesaurus: partly good and partly badsynonym … Useful english dictionary
two-edged — adj 1.) having two effects or meanings, one good and one bad ▪ a two edged comment a two edged sword (=something that has as many bad results as good ones) ▪ Strong leadership is a two edged sword. 2.) having two edges that can cut ▪ a two edged… … Dictionary of contemporary English
two-edged — [ ,tu edʒd ] adjective 1. ) a two edged weapon has a blade with two sharp edges 2. ) capable of being understood in two different ways, or of having both good and bad effects: DOUBLE EDGED: a two edged compliment a two edged sword something with… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
Two-edged — a. Having two edges, or edges on both sides; as, a two edged sword. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
two-edged — adjective 1 having disadvantages or bad effects that are less easy to see than the good effects: the two edged triumphs of technology | a two edged sword (=with as many bad results as good ones): Strong leadership is a two edged sword. 2 having… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
Two-Handed Sword — a specialized type of great sword that became popular in the 16th century. The size and weight of the weapon, made it unsuited for close formation fighting, and its use was reserved for banner defense, guarding breeches in siege warfare, and… … Medieval glossary
two-edged — two′ edged′ adj. 1) having two edges, as a sword 2) cutting or effective both ways: a two edged remark[/ex] • Etymology: 1520–30 … From formal English to slang
