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

As papa says, it's a good thing to have two strings to one's bow.'

From The Parent's Assistant Stories for Children by Maria Edgeworth

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 F. Edward (Frederick Edward) Hulme

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

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

"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 Erle Elsworth Clippinger

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 William Carleton

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