third string
Of a decidedly lower quality or condition.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This is a third string attempt at fixing the broken chair.”
“The team lost their best players, so they had to rely on third string substitutes to finish the season.”
“The critic dismissed the director's latest film as a third string production that lacked the depth and technical polish of his earlier work.”
- 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
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 06
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
- 07
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
- 08
no strings attached
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.
Last updated August 10, 2026