Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Has two strings to his bow

Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:

Has two strings to his bow

1. A. He is indecisive in crucial matters.
2. B. He has two romantic interests simultaneously.
3. C. He has an additional skill or option to rely on. (Correct answer)
4. D. He uses deception to achieve goals.

Correct Answer

Option C — He has an additional skill or option to rely on.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is He has an additional skill or option to fall back on.

Key Points

• To have two strings to one's bow means to possess a second resource, skill or plan in reserve, so that a setback in one does not leave you stranded.
• The image is from archery: a prudent archer carried a spare bowstring in case the first snapped.
• The distractors read the words literally or invent a romantic sense the idiom does not carry.

Additional Information

• Idioms of having a reserve: an ace up one's sleeve, a second string, hedge one's bets, keep something in reserve, a fallback option.
• Its opposite in spirit is to put all one's eggs in one basket, meaning to risk everything on a single course.
• Archery has supplied several English idioms — wide of the mark, on target, highly strung — a useful cluster to revise together.