triple threat

American  

noun

1. an expert in three different fields or in three different skills in the same field.

2. Football. a back who is proficient at running, passing, and punting.

   The triple threat is a rare find for coaches.

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triple threat Idioms  

1. A person who is adept in three areas, as in She's a triple threat on the editorial staff—she can edit, write, and design pages. This term comes from football, where it signifies a player who is good at running, passing, and kicking. [c. 1920] Also see hat trick.

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Etymology

Origin of triple threat

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

A health-savings account, for example, is a triple threat — tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

This time, markets are watching for intervention as Japan faces a complex triple threat: rising crude prices, a widening trade deficit and a fundamental shift in domestic fiscal policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Together with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers were expected to be contenders this season but their time together as a triple threat has been limited by injuries.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

"ChatGPT Barbie represents a triple threat to our privacy, our culture and our planet," said Ms Neff.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

The triple threat collaboration is followed by Natanael Cano and Oscar Maydon’s “Madonna,” another entry from Xavi, “La Victima,” and “Si No Quieres No” by Luis R. Conriquez and Neton Vega.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024