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

See Examples For:

two strings to one's bow

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)

"Ay," said Hal, "very true; he might well say, 'Waste not, want not'; it is a good thing to have two strings to one's bow."

From Children's Literature A Textbook of Sources for Teachers and Teacher-Training Classes by Clippinger, Erle Elsworth

"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)

It is well to have two strings to one's bow, sir.

From Hereward, the Last of the English by Kingsley, Charles

It is as well to have two strings to one's bow.

From Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin by James, Eighth Earl of Elgin