a double-edged sword
諸刃の剣
解説 Definition
利点と欠点の両方を持つもの。良い面と悪い面が共存する状況を表す。
A double-edged sword is something that has both advantages and disadvantages at the same time. It is used when one thing can help you but also cause problems. This expression is common when talking about technology, freedom, or strong abilities.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
double「二重の」+ edged「刃のある」+ sword「剣」を、そのまま頭の中で映像化すると定着しやすい表現です。片刃の剣より強そうだが、両側に刃があるぶん扱いを誤ると自分も傷つく、と考えると「利点が大きいほど危険もある」の核がつかめます。technology, social media, fame など便利さと副作用が同居する話題で頻出。単なる bad thing ではなく、good side と bad side の両方がある点を意識すると、pros and cons の一般論より一段鮮明に覚えられます。
Picture a sword with two sharp edges. It can be powerful, but it can also hurt the person using it, so the image itself helps you remember the idea. Use it for things like fame, technology, or social media, where the good side and bad side come together.
例文
Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects people but also spreads misinformation.
ソーシャルメディアは諸刃の剣で、人々をつなげる一方で誤情報も拡散する。
Globalization is a double-edged sword that brings both opportunities and challenges.
グローバリゼーションは機会と課題の両方をもたらす諸刃の剣だ。
Technology in education is a double-edged sword; it can enhance learning but also distract students.
教育におけるテクノロジーは諸刃の剣で、学習を促進する一方で生徒の注意を散らすこともある。
a double-edged sword の語源・成り立ち Etymology
doubleはラテン語duplus「二重の」、edgedはedgeに形容詞語尾-edが付いた形。刃が両側にある剣は強力な半面、扱いを誤ると自分も傷つくので「諸刃の剣」となる。関連語はdual, duplicate。
This phrase is built from double, from Latin duplus meaning "twofold," and edged, from edge with the adjective ending -ed. A sword with two sharp sides is stronger, but it can also harm the person using it. From that image, the phrase came to mean something that has both benefits and risks. Related English words include dual and duplicate.
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