English Reference
Idiom idiom

mixed blessing


Something that has both good and bad features.

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


SIMPLE

Winning the lottery is a mixed blessing for many people.

CONTEXTUAL

Getting a promotion that requires moving to a new city is a mixed blessing for my family.

COMPLEX

The sudden fame proved to be a mixed blessing, as it brought him great wealth but destroyed his desire for a quiet, private life.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    count one's blessings

    To focus one's attention on the circumstances of one's life which are pleasant or fortunate, especially with the intention of diverting one's thoughts from serious or disagreeable matters.

  2. 02

    mix apples and oranges

    To mix or confuse two completely different objects or ideas.

  3. 03

    mix it up

    To compete vigorously, to quarrel, or to fight physically.

  4. 04

    mix up

    To mix or blend thoroughly and completely.

  5. 05

    mixed bag

    Something tending to have both good and bad results or characteristics; something having a mixture of advantages and disadvantages.

  6. 06

    mixed herbs

    A common mix of different dried herbs for general culinary use, containing some or all of basil, sage, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, thyme, and parsley.

  7. 07

    mixed message

    Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent.

  8. 08

    mixed picture

    A situation in which both negatives and positives are found.

Last updated August 10, 2026