一石二鸟

yī shí èr niǎoidiom
achieve two goals with one action

他用一封邮件就一石二鸟,既通知了客户又推广了新产品。

He killed two birds with one stone by sending one email that both notified the client and promoted the new product.


What It Really Means
To achieve two distinct goals simultaneously with a single effort, often highlighting cleverness or efficiency.
Literal Meaning
One stone hits two birds.
Literal Breakdown
一石one stone+二鸟two birds
Mental Image
A mental picture of a single stone thrown with precision, striking two birds in mid-air, symbolizing perfect efficiency.
When to Use
A manager uses a single team meeting to both assign tasks and motivate the team, achieving productivity and morale boost in one go.
Cultural Note
Reflects ancient Chinese admiration for resourcefulness and strategic thinking. Similar idioms exist in many cultures, such as the English 'kill two birds with one stone,' but the Chinese version emphasizes the physical act of throwing.
neutral

To accomplish two objectives with a single effort or action.

这款软件一石二鸟,既能提高效率又能降低成本。

This software kills two birds with one stone by both improving efficiency and reducing costs.

她选择在周末上课,一石二鸟,既能学习又能打工赚钱。

She chose to take classes on weekends, killing two birds with one stone by both studying and earning money.

Often used to describe efficient decision-making or resource allocation.

Collocations

一石二鸟的方法a two-birds-with-one-stone approach一石二鸟的策略a two-birds-with-one-stone strategy

Related Phrases

一箭双雕idiom
shoot two hawks with one arrow; same meaning as 一石二鸟
一举两得idiom
gain two things with one move; same meaning

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 一石二鸟 when you want to emphasize cleverness or efficiency in achieving multiple goals. It’s less formal than 一举两得 and works well in casual conversations.

Gold Rule

Idiom Rule

一石二鸟 always implies a single action leading to two positive outcomes. Never use it for negative or neutral results.

Word Origin

Originates from the ancient Chinese strategy of throwing a stone to hit two birds in flight, symbolizing efficiency and cleverness. First recorded in historical texts during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).

Usage Notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to praise resourcefulness. Avoid using in formal legal or technical documents where precision is critical.

Word Breakdown

one
numeral
+
stone
noun
+
two
numeral
+
bird
noun
汉英词典