second-string
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sec·ond–string

adjective \ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ, ˌse-kəŋ-\

Definition of SECOND-STRING

: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

Origin of SECOND-STRING

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks
First Known Use: 1922

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