If you say that something is a double-edged sword, you mean that it has negative effects as well as positive effects. A person's looks are a double-edged sword.

What does it mean when someone says its a double-edged sword?

: something that has or can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences This much freedom of expression and opinion can be a double-edged sword.—

How do you use double-edged sword in a sentence?

Finding and choosing kids' computer games can be a double-edged sword for parents. The sword is of Greek and Roman age, always double-edged and of iron. A Bomber Bird on your farm is a double-edged sword. This popularity of hip hop is a bit of a double-edged sword, however.

Is a double-edged sword a metaphor?

Double-edged sword is somewhat of an imperfect metaphor, used with decidedly more of a semantic emphasis on double-edged than on sword. In other words, the poetic implication of cutting both ways supersedes the historical reality of the actual weapon.

Where does the phrase a double-edged sword come from?

Origin of double-edged-sword

From the notion that if two sides of the same blade are sharp, it cuts both ways. The metaphor may have originated in Arabic, in the expression سيف ذو حدين (sayf zou hadayn, “double-edged sword”). The metaphor is first attested in English in the 15th century.

The "Double-Edged" Sword - Is it Dangerous to the User?

30 related questions found

Is social media a double-edged sword?

Social media may be called a two-edged sword because while it provides many benefits and advantages to its users, it can be greatly misused-first by children and youth through indiscreet use and second by antisocial elements, who have started using it for carrying out criminal activities, which is abuse of this ...

Are katanas double-edged?

Katana are distinguished by their type of blade: ... Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri is a katana blade shape with a distinctive curved and double-edged blade. One edge of the blade is shaped in normal katana fashion while the tip is symmetrical and both edges of the blade are sharp.

What kind of sword does Thanos have?

The Double-Edged Sword was a double-bladed weapon used by Thanos.

Is double edged sword sentence?

The Internet is a double edged sword - you want to have connections with people, but that makes your data and site vulnerable to hackers and other malware. In this sense the stereotyping process is a " double edged sword " either potentially promoting socially beneficent norms or negating them.

Is Double Edged sword formal?

1 Answer. Something being a "double-edged sword" is fine in English. It's fairly common, although, I believe some might find its use to be less formal in style -- which may or may not fit your intent. A related phrase in English is "to cut both ways." For example, "The above technique cuts both ways.

Why use a double-edged sword?

While possible with a single-edged sword, double-edged swords are more lethal for thrusting due to the presence of two edges. Double-edged swords are also more effective at penetrating through armor than single-edged swords.

Are katanas illegal?

Owning a katana is illegal for the ordinary Japanese citizen. Fact: Ordinary citizens in Japan have the right to own Japanese-made blades that are registered with the Nihon Token Kai (Japanese Sword Association). These swords must exhibit historical or cultural significance.

How sharp is a real katana?

A Katana is sharper than any European tool or weapon. Still, it is not that sharp enough to cut the chain mail or plate armor. Still, it is sharper than usual to cut through the limbs and bones to trigger death. Still, a sharper tool does not always mean that it is a better option.

Why are ninja swords straight?

Physical Appearance of the Ninjato

Stephen Hayes claims in his published works that real ninja had to forge their own blades with limited resources. This is why they made straight blade swords as they consumed less time, expertise, and material, unlike the much-refined samurai swords.

What are some examples of a double-edged sword?

If something is a double-edged sword, it will help you or be good for you but will also most likely hurt you or have a harmful cost. Example: My new car is a double-edged sword, getting me to work but costing me a lot of money in gas and insurance.

What is another word for Catch 22?

In this page you can discover 18 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for catch-22, like: gordian-knot, chicken-and-egg, dilemma, predicament, no-win-situation, paradox, between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place, quagmire, spot, peej and lose-lose.

What's another way to say pros and cons?

Synonyms

• advantages and disadvantages.
• assets and liabilities.
• fors and againsts.
• for and against.
• gains and losses.
• opportunities and obstacles.
• strengths and weaknesses.
• positives and negatives.

How social media become a double edge sword?

When it comes to the question of social media, press freedom, and democracy, social media is a double-edged sword. While it opens more doors for freedom of expression and self-empowerment, it also paves the way for fake news to be created and go viral. Fake news has become a major issue among Malaysians.

What are the disadvantages of using social media?

10 Disadvantages of Social Networking

• Lacks Emotional Connection. ...
• Gives People a License to be Hurtful. ...
• Decreases Face-to-Face Communication Skills. ...
• Conveys Inauthentic Expression of Feelings. ...
• Diminishes Understanding and Thoughtfulness. ...
• Causes Face-to-Face Interactions to Feel Disconnected. ...
• Facilitates Laziness.

What is a curved sword?

A scimitar is a short, curved sword that comes from the Middle East. It was commonly used back in the days of horse warfare. A scimitar is distinctive-looking sword, with its short, curved blade. It shows up a lot as a symbol in various Arab cultures, including on the Saudi Arabian flag.