whip·saw
ˈ(h)wip-ˌsȯ 
: a narrow pit saw averaging 5 to 7¹/₂ feet (1.5 to 2.3 meters) in length
whipsawed; whipsawing; whipsaws
1
: to saw with a whipsaw
2
: to beset or victimize in two opposite ways at once, by a two-phase operation, or by the collusive action of two opponents
wage earners were whipsawed by inflation and high taxes
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A whipsaw is a type of hand-powered saw worked by two people, one of whom stands on or above the log being sawed and the other below it, usually in a pit. The tool dates back to the 15th century, but it was not until the 19th century that anyone thought to use the saw's name figuratively to describe situations in which someone or something is doubly "cut," or hurt. Today, the word is commonly used when discussing financial crises or losses as well as ideological changes (as in government policy) that might "cut."
Examples of whipsaw in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 13 May 2025
That can create complications as well as tax whipsaw where the lender has to report the interest as income on her return but the borrower may not qualify for an income tax deduction.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Hugh Son, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Markets have whipsawed in recent months amid uncertainty over Trump’s changing tariff policies.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for whipsaw
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Noun
While Trump’s tariff plans shook consumer confidence and raised concerns of higher prices, the whipsaw nature of his announcements and lags created by shipping times have yet to make a noticeable impact on inflation.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 13 May 2025
That can create complications as well as tax whipsaw where the lender has to report the interest as income on her return but the borrower may not qualify for an income tax deduction.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Markets have been whipsawed over the past few months over worries that President Donald Trump’s trade policies will raise inflation and slow the world’s largest economy.
—Hugh Son, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Markets have whipsawed in recent months amid uncertainty over Trump’s changing tariff policies.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for whipsaw
Cite this Entry
“Whipsaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whipsaw. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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