Example: Pour réussir, il faut toujours avoir plus d'une corde à son arc.
Definition
"Avoir plus d'une corde à son arc" means to have several skills, options, or resources available to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It implies being versatile or prepared with alternatives rather than relying on a single approach.
Translations
To have more than one string to one's bow
Tener más de un recurso
Meer dan één troef achter de hand hebben
Tenir més d'un recurs
Mehrere Eisen im Feuer haben
Etymology
The expression "Avoir plus d'une corde à son arc" literally means 'to have more than one string to one’s bow.' It originates from archery, where having multiple strings or cords allowed an archer to continue shooting if one string broke. Did you know? This metaphor evolved to describe having multiple plans or skills, ensuring readiness and adaptability.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Avoir plus d'une corde à son arc" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select French as the language you want to learn.
To have more than one string to one's bow