Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

swings-and-roundabouts

idiom
/swɪŋz ənd ˈraʊndəˌbaʊts/
Definition
A situation in which there are advantages and disadvantages, often balancing each other.
Examples
  • Life is full of swings-and-roundabouts; sometimes you gain, sometimes you lose.
  • When considering the job offer, remember that it’s all swings-and-roundabouts in the end.
Meaning
The phrase reflects the idea that gains in one area may come at the cost of losses in another, similar to a fairground ride where there are ups and downs.
Synonyms
  • Trade-offs
  • Pros and cons
  • Ups and downs