双刃剑 (shuāng rèn jiàn) — (literal) double-edged sword; (figurative) double-edged sword; something with both advantages and disadvantages
Definition
Literally a two-edged sword; figuratively, something that has both good and bad effects (e.g. technology, strict rules). Always used metaphorically in modern Chinese — not for an actual weapon.
noun
(literal) double-edged sword(figurative) double-edged swordsomething with both advantages and disadvantages
Measure word · 把
Examples
- 双刃剑。Zhè bǎ shuāng rèn jiàn shì gǔ dài wǔ shì de wǔ qì.This double-edged sword was a weapon of ancient warriors.
- 双刃剑，。Hù lián wǎng shì yì bǎ shuāng rèn jiàn, jì dài lái biàn lì yě dài lái fēng xiǎn.The internet is a double-edged sword — it brings both convenience and risk.
- 双刃剑，。Yán gé de guǎn lǐ zhì dù shì yì bǎ shuāng rèn jiàn, néng tí gāo xiào lǜ dàn yě huì xiàn zhì chuàng zào lì.A strict management system is a double-edged sword — it can improve efficiency but also limit creativity.
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