give with one hand and take away with the other

verb1

•
To help in one way but proceed to harm in another.
- Taking with one hand what it gave with the other, the Court curtails Ramoss effects by expunging Teagues provision for watershed rules. — 2021

forms

gave with one hand and took away with the other · given with one hand and taken away with the other · giving with one hand and taking away with the other · gives with one hand and takes away with the other