two-edged

  • 1two-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

  • 2two-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

  • 3Two-edged — a. Having two edges, or edges on both sides; as, a two edged sword. [1913 Webster] …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 4two-edged — [to͞o′ejd′] adj. 1. that has two cutting edges 2. that can be used or taken two ways [a two edged remark] …

    English World dictionary

  • 5two-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

  • 6two-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

  • 7two-edged — UK [ˌtuː ˈedʒd] / US [ˌtu ˈedʒd] 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 a two edged compliment • See: sword …

    English dictionary

  • 8two-edged — /ˈtu ɛdʒd/ (say tooh ejd) adjective 1. having two edges, as a sword. 2. cutting or effective both ways. 3. having two possible meanings, results, etc., one favourable and one unfavourable: *they realised that independence is a two edged word… …

  • 9two-edged — adj. Two edged is used with these nouns: ↑sword …

    Collocations dictionary

  • 10two-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