double-edged

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Adjective

double-edged (comparative more double-edged, superlative most double-edged)

  1. (not comparable) Of a blade, such as a sword or knife, sharp on both edges.
    Coordinate term: single-edged
  2. (comparable, figuratively) Beneficial and harmful at the same time; assisting or contributing in one manner while also creating risk or negative consequences.
    Slander is a double-edged weapon: you can hurt the reputation of another but it diminishes your own reputation that you debase yourself so much.

Derived terms

Translations

See also