- To accomplish two different goals or solve two different problems with a single action or effort.
- Emphasizes efficiency and cleverness.
Explanation
Origin
- The literal image is of a hunter using a single projectile (like a stone from a sling or thrown by hand) to hit and kill two birds simultaneously.
- It highlights achieving a double result with minimal effort.
- The phrase has been in use since at least the 17th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Double whammy (can be positive or negative, emphasizes two impacts at once)
- Twofer (short for 'two for the price of one', used metaphorically for efficiency)
- Bang for your buck (emphasizes getting good value/multiple benefits for effort/money)
Milder/Standard:
- Address two issues simultaneously
- Achieve a dual purpose
- Combine two tasks effectively
- Handle both at the same time
Consciously Non-Violent:
- Feed two birds with one scone (less common)
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in informal and semi-formal settings.
- Widely understood and generally acceptable.
- Note: Some animal welfare advocates or sensitive individuals might dislike the violent imagery, but this is a relatively minor concern in general usage. The alternative feed two birds with one scone exists but is not widely used.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal violence is irrelevant. Focus entirely on the meaning of achieving two objectives with one action.
Examples
- I listen to language learning podcasts while commuting; it kills two birds with one stone.
- Let's have the meeting over lunch – we can eat and discuss the project, killing two birds with one stone.
- She combined her business trip with a visit to her parents, killing two birds with one stone.
Dialogue
Person A: I need to drop off this package at the post office, and I also need to buy stamps.
Person B: You can buy stamps right there at the post office counter when you drop off the package. Kill two birds with one stone!
Person A: Oh, right! Perfect. Thanks!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Going for a run and listening to an audiobook. Killing two birds with one stone – fitness and reading goals! #productivity #running #audiobooks
- Facebook Post: Decided to paint the living room while the kids are away at camp. Kill two birds with one stone – get a project done and enjoy the peace! #homereno #parentlife
- Instagram Caption: Business meeting by the beach? Killing two birds with one stone! ☀️💼 #worklife #travel
Response Patterns
- Good idea! That's efficient.
- Smart thinking!
- Perfect, let's do that.
- Makes sense.
- Generally positive responses acknowledging the efficiency.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting killing two birds with one stone:
- Okay, how does that work exactly? (If not obvious)
- What are the two things we achieve? (If not obvious)
- Action: Proceeding with the efficient action.
- Action: Confirming the details of the combined task.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes or proposes an efficient way to combine tasks or achieve multiple objectives within an existing context.
Intonation
- Main stress often falls on TWO BIRDS and ONE STONE.
- Often said with a tone of satisfaction, practicality, or cleverness.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used by all generations. The concept of efficiency is universal.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.