cut both ways

1 (of a point or statement) serve both sides of an argument.

2 (of an action or process) have both good and bad effects.

☞ The image behind this expression is that of a double-edged weapon (see double-edged sword atdouble-edged).

❶ 1998 Sanjida O'ConnellAngel Bird Words have the power to cut both ways and I was not strong enough to wield them