double edged sword
- bladeFlat cutting edge
- tradeoffExchange involving sacrifice
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
curse · risk · consequence · sharp · cut · weapon · steel · hilt · edge · danger · benefit · cost · balance · gamble · compromise · backlash · recoil · bittersweet
mixed consequences vs. uniformly positive outcomes
double edged swordwin-win
Advantageous to both sides
silver bullet · magic bullet · panacea · godsend · blessing
mixed consequences vs. uniformly negative outcomes
double edged swordlose-lose
Situation without good outcomes