2

I'm looking for a word that describes an attribute Y, where you could say The good thing about X is Y, the problem with X is Y

note that it's not a neutral attribute, it's simultaneously good and bad.

is there such a word in the English language?

preferably I'd like to be able to say something along the lines of:

Y is a ______ of X; it's good because of blah, but it also causes bleh problems

6
  • 2
    A frequent idiom is to say that "having Y is a mixed benefit".
    – WS2
    Commented Feb 21, 2019 at 13:20
  • @WS2 that's a pretty good idiom! I was really hoping for a single word, but lacking that I guess your idiom will do. I updated my question to clarify this Commented Feb 21, 2019 at 14:24
  • 2
    Double-edged sword? Is there something that necessitates a single-word? Does this have to fit a slot in some poem?
    – Mitch
    Commented Feb 21, 2019 at 14:37
  • Double-edged sword is also pretty good! I'd be using this in a presentation so I am absolutely free to rephrase it, I did have a specific phrasing in mind, but I can't seem to find the missing word for it. I'll leave this up a bit longer in case someone comes along with a even better alternative. and no, it doesn't necessarily have to be a single word, although I would prefer it if there is one Commented Feb 21, 2019 at 15:27
  • Along the same lines as double-edged sword is boon and bane. My initial thought was from a quote used by the TV character Monk, "It's a blessing and a curse.", when speaking about his quirky problem solving skills.
    – jxh
    Commented Feb 21, 2019 at 23:18

0

Browse other questions tagged .