second string
Not as good; of a lower quality or condition.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This is just my second string racket for practice.”
“The team had to use their second string players because the starters were injured.”
“The director relegated the talented actor to a second string role, much to the disappointment of the critics.”
- 01
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
apron string
A symbol of the domestic ties binding a male to a female (as a husband to a wife or a son to a mother).
- 03
harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
- 04
harp on the same string
To repeatedly say the same thing.
- 05
have second thoughts
To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.
- 06
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 07
just a second
A short period of time, typically anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or more.
- 08
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
Last updated August 10, 2026