What Does "Cut Both Ways" Mean?
"Cut both ways" is an English idiom. It means "to have both positive and negative consequences."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "cut both ways" used in a sentence:- This decision cuts both ways; it could bring opportunities, but there's also a lot of risk.
- Her candidness is refreshing but can cut both ways.
- Technology cuts both ways; it can simplify tasks but also make people too dependent.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Cut Both Ways" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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