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

Japan faces a complex triple threat of rising crude prices, a widening trade deficit, and a shift in fiscal policy.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Both of Luna’s co-stars signed onto “Kiss of the Spider Woman” with something to prove: Jennifer Lopez, that she remains a dynamic triple threat; and Tonatiuh, that he’s a new talent worthy of landing on every casting directors’ list.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Bluetongue virus is one element of a triple threat of animal diseases that, earlier this year, the agriculture environment and rural affairs minister warned the agri-food industry faced.

From BBC