two strings to one's bow

Cultural  

1. More than one option or set of resources: “Samantha has two strings to her bow; if her career in politics falls through, she can fall back on her law practice.”

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two strings to one's bow Idioms  

1. More than one means of reaching an objective, as in Louise hasn't heard yet, but she's got two strings to her bow—she can always appeal to the chairman. This expression alludes to a well-prepared archer, who carries a spare string in case one fails. [Mid-1400s]

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Example Sentences

It’s a good thing to have two strings to one’s bow, Mr. Frank Burchill, in dealing with birds like you.

From The Herapath Property by Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith)

He knew, too, how prudent it was to have "two strings to one's bow," and that "A bow long bent at last waxeth weak."

From Proverb Lore Many sayings, wise or otherwise, on many subjects, gleaned from many sources by Hulme, F. Edward (Frederick Edward)

Better have two strings to one’s bow than none at all!”

From The Mysterious Island by White, Stephen W.

"It is best to have two strings to one's bow," answered Urbain.

From Angelot A Story of the First Empire by Price, Eleanor C. (Eleanor Catherine)

Well, then, you have heard the old proverb: It is good to have two strings to one's bow.

From The Evil Eye; Or, The Black Spector The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by Carleton, William