The phrase “arrow in the quiver” is a sports metaphor for an additional resource to achieve a goal. Its origin is unclear, but it likely developed as an allegory for having ammunition on hand. The metaphor represents the need for different resources or strategies to handle challenges. Another archery metaphor is “strings to your bow,” which also means being well-prepared. Both phrases are similar and relate to archery and hunting.
When an English speaker refers to an “arrow in the quiver,” they are talking about something that is an additional resource that aids in achieving a goal or objective. This type of phrase is known as a sports metaphor, related to the sport of archery. Arguably, this can also be called a “battle metaphor” relating to classical warfare and the use of bows and arrows as weapons.
The origin of the phrase “arrow in the quiver” is not fully known. Many language experts agree that this phrase must have developed over time as an allegory for the advantages of having ammunition on hand; A quiver is the cylindrical case that archers commonly use to carry their arrows. This metaphor can also be taken as a metaphor for hunting, where those who hunt with a bow and arrow must have enough arrows at hand to kill and catch game when sighted.
In most uses of this idiom, the speaker is talking about the need to have different resources or strategies to handle a challenge or any obstacle to a goal. Most commonly, this idiom represents an extreme abstraction of the idea of having physical arrows in a quiver. For example, if someone says “having good communication skills can be another arrow in the quiver when going for a job interview,” the “arrow” in the metaphor is in the form of an intangible ability, rather than something concrete. which can be stored or consumed.
The phrase “arrow in the quiver” isn’t the only archery metaphor familiar to English speakers. Some also use the phrase “strings to your bow” and while this may have other meanings, for example, relating to stringed instruments such as the violin, many identify the literal meaning of this phrase as multiple strings in a bow. bow. Here, the “strings” in the bow make the bow tougher and generally stronger.
To contrast the two phrases “arrow in the quiver” and “strings in the bow”, it is evident that these two idioms function in a very similar way. A well-prepared person might have many arrows in his quiver, to avoid running out of “bowshots”, and many strings in his bow to ensure that the bow does not break while archery or hunting. In general, both of these phrases are used to mean “well prepared.”
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