to cut both ways
01
(of a process or action) to have two opposite effects, particularly a good and a bad one
Idiom
Informal
例
His decision to reduce expenses cut both ways; it saved money but also resulted in staff layoffs.
02
(of a point or statement) to be applicable or relevant to both sides of an argument
IdiomInformal例
The argument that the government should not regulate businesses cuts both ways. On the one hand, regulation can stifle innovation and growth. On the other hand, it can protect consumers and the environment.
