two strings to one's bow

Idioms & Phrases

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 bowshe 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® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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