another string to (one's) bow

An additional option, skill, or ability available to one. Your college degree will be another string to your bow if your professional football career is short-lived.

If you have another string to your bow, you have an extra skill that you can use if you do not succeed using your main skill. In this expression, `bow' is pronounced with the same vowel sound as the word `show'. Looking for another string to his bow, he turned to art and design, for which he had always shown a talent. Note: You can also say that someone has a second string to their bow, with the same meaning. She should really develop a second string to her bow in case the acting doesn't work out. Note: You can also say that someone has many strings to their bow or several strings to their bow. Stephanie has many strings to her bow. Before opting for a career in interior design, she was a photographer and a Wall Street banker. Note: Archers used to carry a spare bowstring in case the first one broke.