kill two birds with one stone

/kɪl tuː bɜːrdz wɪð wʌn stoʊn/
idiom★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To achieve two goals or accomplish two tasks with a single action or effort.
Literal Meaning
To literally kill two birds by throwing a single stone at them.
Literal Breakdown
killTo cause the death of+two birdsTwo avian creatures+with one stoneUsing a single rock or projectile
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of a hunter or someone throwing a stone to hit and kill two birds at once, symbolizing efficiency and multitasking.
◈ When to Use
A student studying for two exams at the same time might say, 'I'm reviewing for both my history and biology exams tonight—it's like killing two birds with one stone.'
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a cultural appreciation for efficiency and resourcefulness. It is widely used in English-speaking countries and has equivalents in many other languages, as seen in the idiom equivalents provided.
informal

To accomplish two different things at once, especially by doing something that benefits both situations or goals.

By working remotely, I can save time on commuting and spend more time with my family—it's like killing two birds with one stone.

By taking an online course, I can learn new skills while still working full-time—it's like killing two birds with one stone.

💡

This idiom is often used to describe efficiency or multitasking in a positive light.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

hit two birds with one stoneidiom
A less common variant of the same idiom, using 'hit' instead of 'kill'.
kill two birds with one shotidiom
A variation that emphasizes the idea of achieving two goals with a single action, often used in hunting or military contexts.

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is versatile and can be used in both professional and personal contexts. For example, 'By attending the conference, I can network and learn new skills—it's like killing two birds with one stone.'

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While this idiom is useful, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your language when describing efficiency.

📖Word Origin

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it likely dates back to the 17th century. The phrase may have been inspired by hunting practices where a skilled hunter could kill multiple birds with a single stone. Over time, the literal meaning evolved to describe any situation where two goals are achieved simultaneously.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more prevalent in casual conversation. It is often used to highlight efficiency or clever problem-solving.

English Dictionary