a saw with a narrow blade and a handle at both ends, used typically by two people to cut wood by pushing and pulling it alternately., a situation in which someone or something is repeatedly defeated or hit hard, especially in a way that alternates with something else.

whipsaw effect, whipsaw motion, whipsawed by emotions

Formal and Informal Expressions of whipsaw

In different contexts, you can replace 'whipsaw' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'back-and-forth, alternating' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'up-and-down, back-and-forth' is a commonplace synonym.

whipsaw: Explore its Definition & Usage

whipsaw Definition

1a saw with a narrow blade and a handle at both ends, used typically by two people to cut wood by pushing and pulling it alternately.
2a situation in which someone or something is repeatedly defeated or hit hard, especially in a way that alternates with something else.

Using whipsaw: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whipsaw" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The carpenters used a whipsaw to cut the logs into planks.
Example
The stock market has been whipsawed by uncertainty over the pandemic.
Example
The team was whipsawed by their opponent's aggressive tactics.

whipsaw Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whipsaw

Antonyms for whipsaw

Phrases with whipsaw

whipsaw effect
a phenomenon in economics where a change in one market or policy leads to a series of unintended consequences that negatively affect related markets or policies
Example
The government's decision to raise taxes had a whipsaw effect on the economy, causing a downturn in consumer spending.
whipsaw motion
a rapid back-and-forth movement, often used to describe the movement of a saw or tool
Example
The whipsaw motion of the machine made it difficult to control.
whipsawed by emotions
to be emotionally conflicted or torn between two opposing feelings or desires
Example
She was whipsawed by emotions, unsure whether to stay in her current job or pursue a new opportunity.

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Summary: whipsaw in Brief

A 'whipsaw' [ˈwɪpsɔː] is a narrow saw with a handle at both ends, used by two people to cut wood. It also refers to a situation in which someone or something is repeatedly defeated or hit hard, especially in a way that alternates with something else. The term extends into phrases like 'whipsaw effect,' describing unintended consequences in economics, and 'whipsawed by emotions,' denoting emotional conflict.