Meaning of cruel mistress | Babel Free

Definitions

Something which has both significant positive and negative aspects.

idiomatic

Examples

“For bandleaders, society can be a cruel mistress. At debutante parties they receive compliments but not calling cards, at charity balls they take their breaks with their players instead of their patrons […]”

“Even if you can’t afford a new one, the cruel mistress of depreciation will soon have her way with the Stinger and that’s very good news.”

CEFR level