a double blessing

USAGE SUMMARY

'a double blessing' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase to refer to two positive outcomes from a single situation or event, for example: "The news was a double blessing - not only was she promoted, but her salary was also raised substantially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Croton Reservoir System, as an object of beauty and a brake on development, is a double blessing.

The New York Times

That Ryan can achieve so much with such a hyper-local roster is a double blessing when considering the fact that the Badgers, even with their success, could have a difficult time competing for top national recruits who may be leery of Wisconsin's low-scoring style and even lower temperatures.

The New York Times - Sports

PAGE A15 NATIONAL PICKING OBAMA'S SUCCESSOR A Boon for Illinois Governor The task of filling President-elect Barack Obama's seat in the Senate offers Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois a double blessing of sorts: a chance to wield influence in Washington and to focus attention on something other than his own litany of problems.

The New York Times

This was a double blessing.

Forbes

It's a double blessing if what they're familiar with and what they want is your original music.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The combination of my presence and the rain were an unexpected double blessing and they thanked me repeatedly for coming.

Huffington Post

The gift of your time and energy will be a double-blessing: once to those who receive the help, and once to you, as you give it.

WikiHow

But the double blessing was that they did it with only the lightest of instructions as to how the money should be spent and only the example of CP Scott, one of the greatest editors in the history of journalism – born 170 years ago this week – to guide its trustees.

The Guardian

Once again, we should notice that the element of protection was not the branch itself, but rather the double blessing which it was given.

Pastoralism

Pow pow, double blessing.

Vice

Since then he's toggled between his Rocky and Rambo franchises, the latter of which he calls "a double-edged blessing".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a double blessing" when you want to emphasize that a situation has two distinct positive outcomes or benefits, making it particularly advantageous. For instance, receiving a promotion and a raise simultaneously could be described as "a double blessing".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "a double blessing" with the phrase 'a double-edged sword'. The former implies purely positive outcomes, while the latter indicates both positive and negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double blessing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It identifies a situation or event that provides two distinct advantages or benefits. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double blessing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation with two positive outcomes. While relatively rare in occurrence, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to express gratitude or acknowledge good fortune. It's essential to distinguish it from similar-sounding phrases like 'a double-edged sword', which carries a completely different meaning. Ludwig's AI confirms the appropriateness of this phrase and offers various examples of its usage in reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a twofold benefit

Uses 'twofold' to emphasize the dual nature of the benefit.

a dual advantage

Replaces 'blessing' with 'advantage', focusing on the beneficial aspect.

a win-win situation

Highlights the mutually beneficial nature of the situation.

a pair of advantages

Simplifies the concept to a basic statement of two benefits.

twice blessed

More explicitly references divine favor or luck.

a fortunate coincidence

Shifts the focus to the luck or chance involved in the two positive outcomes.

a double whammy of good fortune

More emphatic and informal, suggesting a large amount of good fortune.

a stroke of good luck

Emphasizes the element of chance and positive outcome.

an added bonus

Downplays the significance, presenting it as an extra benefit.

a double-edged sword

While similar in structure, this has an opposite meaning, implying both positive and negative aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "a double blessing" in a sentence?

You can use "a double blessing" to describe a situation with two fortunate outcomes. For example, "Finding a new job and a new apartment in the same week was "a double blessing"".

What's a phrase similar to "a double blessing"?

A similar phrase is "a win-win situation", but "a double blessing" often carries a connotation of unexpected or divine favor.

When is it appropriate to use "a double blessing"?

It is appropriate to use "a double blessing" when two positive things happen at once, especially if they are related or enhance each other. Consider using it when the situation feels particularly fortunate.

Is "a double blessing" formal or informal?

The phrase "a double blessing" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may lean slightly towards informal due to the word 'blessing'.