What does "kill two birds with one stone" mean?
"Kill two birds with one stone" means achieving two things with one action. Here's how this idiom is used and what alternatives exist.
What it means
To accomplish two goals with a single action - efficiently solving two problems or completing two tasks at once.
"I'll kill two birds with one stone - I'll pick up the dry cleaning while I'm at the shops."
"This partnership would kill two birds with one stone: we get funding and they get distribution."
"We can kill two birds with one stone by combining the meetings."
What it implies
Efficiency and resourcefulness - finding an action that delivers double value. It's usually said approvingly.
Modern alternatives
- "Feed two birds with one scone." - a popular playful alternative
- "Hit two targets with one shot." - same concept, different image
Where it comes from
The idiom dates to at least the 17th century in English, though the hunting image is ancient.
Register
Casual to professional. Widely understood and commonly used in meetings and everyday conversation.
A native would say
- "Two for the price of one." - similar efficiency idea
- "Get double value." - plain
- "Hit both goals." - direct
What does "kill two birds with one stone" mean?
To accomplish two goals with a single action - efficiently solving two problems or completing two tasks at once.
"I'll kill two birds with one stone - I'll pick up the dry cleaning while I'm at the shops."
"This partnership would kill two birds with one stone: we get funding and they get distribution."
"We can kill two birds with one stone by combining the meetings."
Is "kill two birds with one stone" formal or informal?
Casual to professional. Widely understood and commonly used in meetings and everyday conversation.
What's another way to say "kill two birds with one stone"?
- "Feed two birds with one scone." - a popular playful alternative
- "Hit two targets with one shot." - same concept, different image
Why do native speakers say "kill two birds with one stone"?
The idiom dates to at least the 17th century in English, though the hunting image is ancient.
Idioms like this trip up even advanced learners.
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