| 释义 |
cut both ways1(Of a point or statement) serve both sides of an argument: such a tax is often claimed to encourage saving but the argument can cut both ways...- Interestingly, the preferred arguments of both sides can cut both ways.
- The argument cuts both ways - but not according to the RIAA?
- This cuts both ways: new arguments are never by themselves decisive; but, equally, old presumptions can always be challenged.
1.1(Of an action or process) have both good and bad effects: the triumphs of civilization cut both ways...- But as recent American sanctions on imported steel from Brazil and Asia indicate, the process does not cut both ways.
- It is important to emphasize that this suggestion that the quality of the political decision-making process may help the Court's judgement cuts both ways.
- Ministerial responsibility cuts both ways - a Minister can stand around and take credit and accept kudos for the good things that happen on their watch - ideally as a result of their own decisions and actions.
See parent entry: cut |