a double-edged sword

Meaning: Something with both good and bad consequences.

Example: “Working from home is a double-edged sword: more freedom, less company.”

Origin: A blade sharpened on both sides can cut the person wielding it. The image is old, appearing in the Bible as a two-edged sword; the figurative use is common from the 19th century.

Equivalents in other languages

Spanish: arma de doble filo Literally: Weapon of double blade

More English idioms

get out of hand To become impossible to control.
bang one's head against a brick wall To keep trying something with no result.
have a whale of a time To enjoy oneself enormously.
get off on the right foot To make a good start.
turn one's back on someone To abandon or refuse to help someone.
have plenty left in the tank To still have energy or resources in reserve.

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Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

Orka To have the energy or will for something. Jag orkar inte carries the whole of 'I can't fa…
Hinna To manage something inside the time available — not speed, but fitting the act in before…
Vabba To stay home from work on paid leave to look after a sick child.

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