Glossary entry (derived from question below)
French term or phrase:
double tranchant
English translation:
double-edged sword (figurative); double-bladed (literal)
Added to glossary by
Sheila Wilson
Jul 31, 2007 20:56
16 yrs ago
1 viewer *
French term
Native in: English 
Works in: Portuguese to English, Portuguese to French, French to English, and 1 more.
double tranchant
French to English
Social Sciences
Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc.
police, security
Mais c’est un instrument à double tranchant
Proposed translations
(English)
| 5 +3 | double-edged sword |
Sheila Wilson
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| 4 +1 | double-edged sword |
Lori Cirefice
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| 4 +1 | which cuts both ways |
MatthewLaSon
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| 4 | two-edged |
Gabrielle Leyden
|
| 1 +1 | double-edged knife |
Evi Prokopi (X)
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| 2 -1 | sword of Damocles |
Ben Gaia
|
Change log
Aug 14, 2007 06:51: Sheila Wilson Created KOG entry
Proposed translations
+3
19 mins
Sheila Wilson
Spain
Spain
Native in English
Works in field
Spain
20 years producing 100% natural English
Native in: English (Variant: British) 
Works in: English, French to English
Related KudoZ points
:
14
Selected
double-edged sword
This is the most common expression
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Note added at 24 mins (2007-07-31 21:21:13 GMT)
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I imagine you want the figurative use in your security context eg a proposed reform could make things worse in some ways whilst improving them in others
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Note added at 30 mins (2007-07-31 21:27:56 GMT)
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If the context refers literally to an instrument that cuts on both sides, then I personally prefer double-bladed instrument/arm/weapon/etc, simply to avoid any confusion with the figurative use. Mind you, maybe you'd be better off deliberately clouding the issue ...
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Note added at 24 mins (2007-07-31 21:21:13 GMT)
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I imagine you want the figurative use in your security context eg a proposed reform could make things worse in some ways whilst improving them in others
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Note added at 30 mins (2007-07-31 21:27:56 GMT)
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If the context refers literally to an instrument that cuts on both sides, then I personally prefer double-bladed instrument/arm/weapon/etc, simply to avoid any confusion with the figurative use. Mind you, maybe you'd be better off deliberately clouding the issue ...
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Julie Barber
2 mins
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Thanks
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| neutral |
writeaway
: but does it fit the context (we have no idea). 5 CL is a bit OTT since we have no idea what the instrument means in the context
2 mins
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I take your point - I hadn't actually at the time considered that it might be a literal usage
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| agree |
Jean-Claude Gouin
1 hr
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Thanks
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| agree |
Chantal Thomas (X)
9 hrs
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Thanks
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Selected automatically based on peer agreement."
19 mins
two-edged
two-edged: having two edges; especially (of a sword, axe, ec.), having two cutting edges (OED definition)
(also the figurative "two-edged sword," of course)
(also the figurative "two-edged sword," of course)
+1
20 mins
double-edged sword
More context would be helpful as Juliebarba already mentioned, but :
Wikipedia "The term double-edged sword can be used as an expression for anything that can simultaneously help and hinder, as when in swordfighting a person can ..."
IMHO this is more idiomatic than double-edged knife
Wikipedia "The term double-edged sword can be used as an expression for anything that can simultaneously help and hinder, as when in swordfighting a person can ..."
IMHO this is more idiomatic than double-edged knife
Reference:
-1
56 mins
sword of Damocles
Isn't this a synonym as well?
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Note added at 2 hrs (2007-07-31 23:25:02 GMT)
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tranchant=slicing
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Note added at 2 hrs (2007-07-31 23:25:02 GMT)
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tranchant=slicing
Peer comment(s):
| disagree |
Bourth (X)
: Not the same. That's the one hanging over your head from a hair, not one that can equally well inflict damage to you as to the person you wish to hurt. I'm a fencer (not of the No.8 wire type), you see ... /Go easy on the kiwiana, leave some for the rest.
13 mins
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Oh yeh yeh she'll be right mate, cheers for that eh. ...touché!
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+1
5 mins
double-edged knife
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Note added at 3 hrs (2007-08-01 00:10:05 GMT)
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Robert's suggestion "double-edged instrument"
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Robert Frankling
: A "double-edged instrument" could be an agency or board of review overseeing ethics, etc.
2 hrs
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Thanks, Robert!
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+1
5 hrs
which cuts both ways
Hello,
à double tranchant = that cuts both ways
This is an instrument which cuts both ways.
Often used to describe policies in place, laws, etc.
I hope this helps.
à double tranchant = that cuts both ways
This is an instrument which cuts both ways.
Often used to describe policies in place, laws, etc.
I hope this helps.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Bourth (X)
: Prefer this for the figurative sense.
5 hrs
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Thanks, Bourth!
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Discussion