à double tranchant

Une réduction des prix peut se révéler à double tranchant.
A price cut can prove to have two opposing effects.
Son compliment était à double tranchant.
His compliment could cut both ways.
Publier ces chiffres maintenant serait à double tranchant.
Publishing these figures now would be a double-edged sword.
Ce recours juridique est à double tranchant pour l'entreprise.
This legal action could cut both ways for the company.
Cette stratégie est à double tranchant : elle attire l'attention, mais peut irriter les clients.
This strategy is a double-edged sword: it attracts attention but may annoy customers.

Similar words

Cette stratégie est à double tranchant : elle attire l'attention, mais peut irriter les clients.
This strategy is a double-edged sword: it attracts attention but may annoy customers.
Publier ces chiffres maintenant serait à double tranchant.
Publishing these figures now would be a double-edged sword.
Son compliment était à double tranchant.
His compliment could cut both ways.
Une réduction des prix peut se révéler à double tranchant.
A price cut can prove to have two opposing effects.
Ce recours juridique est à double tranchant pour l'entreprise.
This legal action could cut both ways for the company.

The image is a blade sharpened on two sides, able to cut in either direction.

What does à double tranchant mean?

It may have both a helpful and a harmful effect.

Can a decision be à double tranchant?

Yes, if it brings an advantage and a risk.

Can a remark be à double tranchant?

Yes, a compliment may also carry criticism.

Is the image literal here?

No, it evokes a blade with two cutting sides.

Does it promise a good result?

No, the outcome may backfire.

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