English Reference
Idiom idiom

cut both ways


To have both benefits and drawbacks.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Working from home can cut both ways.

CONTEXTUAL

Having a flexible schedule is nice, but it can cut both ways if you struggle to separate work from your personal life.

COMPLEX

The new policy regarding remote work cuts both ways, offering employees greater autonomy while simultaneously complicating the maintenance of a cohesive corporate culture.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  3. 03

    by the way

    Irrelevantly, off-topic.

  4. 04

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  5. 05

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  6. 06

    cry all the way to the bank

    To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.

  7. 07

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  8. 08

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

Last updated August 10, 2026