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English idiom

cut both ways

Register · Neutral CEFR B2
Post

Figurative meaning

to produce both helpful and harmful effects or implications

Word picture

A blade is pictured cutting in either direction, so the same edge can bring opposing effects.

Example

“Working from home can cut both ways: it saves travel time but may leave people isolated.”

Dictionary details

Component words

cut

Tags

Related idioms

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

cut loose

CEFR B1

to abandon restraint and behave freely or wildly

Informal

cut a dash

CEFR C1

to attract admiring attention with a stylish appearance or confident manner

Neutral

cut and dried

CEFR C1

fully settled and clear, with little room for debate or alteration

Neutral

cut and thrust

CEFR C1

the vigorous back-and-forth of intense argument or competition

Neutral

cut your teeth on

CEFR C1

to gain your first experience of something, usually early in your career

Informal

can of worms

CEFR B1

a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched

Informal

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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