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whipsaw
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whipsaw

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Quick Summary

A whipsaw is primarily known as a type of hand-powered saw, typically 5 to 7.5 feet long, operated by two people. One person stands above the log being sawed, and the other is below, often in a pit. This tool dates back to the 15th century.12

Figuratively, the term "whipsaw" describes a situation where something or someone is affected negatively in two opposing ways, often seen in financial markets or ideological shifts. It can also refer to a state of rapidly changing extremes, such as emotional swings. The verb form means to saw with a whipsaw or to afflict someone in conflicting ways.132

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