# boon and bane

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/boon-and-bane
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something that is both a benefit and an affliction.

## Examples

- The internet is both a boon and bane for students.
- Smartphones are a boon and bane because they help us work but also make it hard to relax.
- While the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence serves as a boon and bane, society must carefully navigate the ethical implications of its integration into daily life.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.