two strings to one's bow
Save This Word!
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.”
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Words nearby two strings to one's bow
two-spot, two-spotted spider mite, two-star, two-step, two strikes against, two strings to one's bow, two-stroke, two-suiter, two-tailed, two-tailed pasha, two-thirds rule
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
How to use two strings to one's bow in a sentence
Other Idioms and Phrases with two strings to one's bow
two strings to one's bow
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.