dual-threat

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nounsport

   In American football, able to run with the ball as well as pass it well.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, as in a dual-threat quarterback; not usually used after the verb be.

   Patterns

   • a dual-threat quarterback
   • a dual-threat player

   The team drafted a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with his legs.

   As a dual-threat player, she forces defenders to guess what she will do.

   Coaches value dual-threat athletes because they create extra options.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Having two strong abilities or advantages that can both be used.

   Grammar: Common in business and journalism before a noun: a dual-threat company, a dual-threat strategy.

   Patterns

   • a dual-threat something
   • a dual-threat approach

   The startup is a dual-threat business: it sells software and runs its own stores.

   Their dual-threat strategy combines low prices with fast delivery.

   She is a dual-threat candidate, strong in both research and teaching.

Common combinations

dual-threat quarterback

The dual-threat quarterback rushed for over a hundred yards.

dual-threat player

Every coach wants a dual-threat player on the roster.

dual-threat ability

His dual-threat ability makes him hard to defend.

dual-threat offense

They built a dual-threat offense around their young star.

Synonyms and how they differ

versatile

A general word for someone who can do many different things; it does not specifically mean two skills, as dual-threat does.

two-way

'Two-way' usually means playing both offense and defense, which is different from having two attacking skills.

Opposites

Word family

dual adjective

Having two parts or aspects.

threat noun

A person or thing likely to cause trouble or danger, used here in a sports sense.

Commonly confused: dual-threat or double threat?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “dual-threat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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