The context‐dependent outcomes of ULK1 O‐GlcNAcylation – promoting initiation under glucose starvation (Thr754) or enhancing flux under oncogenic HPV signalling (Ser409) – exemplify how this modification can tune the ‘double‐edged sword’ of autophagy to favour tumour cell survival under diverse stresses. Here, ULK1 is linked to neoplasm.