kɪl tuː bɜːrdz wɪð wʌn stoʊn
Animals
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To kill two birds using a single stone throw
What does "kill two birds with one stone" mean?
- To accomplish two goals with a single action
- To achieve multiple objectives simultaneously
Examples
- By cycling to work, I kill two birds with one stone—exercise and commuting.
- The meeting killed two birds with one stone: budget review and team building.
- We can kill two birds with one stone by visiting both clients on the same trip.
Origin
Ancient proverb appearing in many cultures. The image of efficiency—achieving maximum results with minimum effort.
How to use it
Very common expression for efficiency. Always positive connotation.
Similar expressions
accomplish multiple goals
efficient
multipurpose
Opposites
single-purpose
inefficient
one thing at a time
Related idioms
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
- the early bird gets the worm
Those who act first have the advantage
Use it in a practice answer
Try "kill two birds with one stone" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.