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mixed blessing
/ˈmɪkst ˈblɛsɪŋ/
a situation with both positive and negative aspects
Remote work is a mixed blessing—it offers flexibility but can also lead to isolation.
Remote work has both advantages and disadvantages.
informal
a situation or event that has both beneficial and detrimental aspects
Winning the lottery can be a mixed blessing; while it brings financial freedom, it may also attract unwanted attention.
Winning the lottery has both positive and negative consequences.
Social media is a mixed blessing—it connects people but can also spread misinformation.
Social media has both helpful and harmful effects.
This phrase is often used to describe situations where the benefits and drawbacks are equally significant.
Collocations
a true mixed blessinga situation with equally significant positive and negative aspects
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'mixed blessing' when describing a situation where the benefits and drawbacks are equally significant.
Gold Rule
Grammar Rule
The phrase is always used with 'a' or 'the' (e.g., 'a mixed blessing,' 'the mixed blessing of...').
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'mixed' (having diverse elements) and 'blessing' (a beneficial thing), emphasizing the dual nature of the situation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe complex situations where outcomes are not entirely positive or negative.
Word Breakdown
mixed
having diverse elements
adjectiveblessing
a beneficial thing
nounEnglish Dictionary